Quest July 2017 by Bulldog Publishing

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES

JULY 2017

THE ABC OF ELC Funding facts at your fingertips

‘HOW MY MANAGEMENT CAREER TOOK OFF’ Dean Wood’s action plan for success page 52

PLUS Access Diplomas MBAs

OPEN TO OSTEOPATHY?

And get on course for these careers: Facilities management Smart meter installation

Take the flexible route …

ROUTE PLANNING FOR ALL RANKS COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERSI RESETTLEMENT

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EDITOR A WARM WELCOME TO THE JULY ISSUE OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES

4 FORCES. Whether you plan to stay in uniform for a while yet or have already set out on your resettlement journey, it’s the only guide you’ll need to funding, training courses, careers and transition. As ever, the first half of this month’s issue gathers together all the information you need to help you claim and make best use of your ELC – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim (read all about that on page 8). As well as all the important details of the ELC application and claims process, we also explore how distance learning can help you in your pursuit of qualifications – wherever in the world you might be – and focus on higher-level study choices, if that’s what you’re aiming for, including an in-depth look at the world of MBAs. Talking of high achievers, the subject of this month’s HE success story, former Royal Marine Brian Cole, has already accomplished a great deal in his new civilian career, and is on course for more success and stability – thanks to the flexibility of his osteopath studies. We also examine two career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but already planning ahead ready for their transition: facilities management and smart meter installation. Beyond that, there’s a brief guide to the opportunities opened up by the Access to HE Diploma, making higher education an option for those who thought it wasn’t. And bringing the section to a close is our one-stop education and funding planner, summarising your learning and personal development opportunities, with ideas on improving your career prospects and highlighting the funding sources available to help you achieve your aims.

In part two, you’ll find the usual QUEST mix of inspirational ‘transition tales’ and practical advice on resettlement issues. First, we hear how former WO Dean Wood went from RAF to management consultant, with a side-line as partner in a mobile bar business, and you’ll find us in the kitchen with Veterans’ charity and housing association, Stoll, finding out about the practical support on offer from its Veterans’ Kitchen initiative. Next up, we have some tips on preparing for redundancy – whether taken through choice or a fact-of-life imposed upon you, while regular civvy contributor Ryan Mansfield has more of his customary candid advice to help keep you civvy savvy. To further boost your resettlement plans, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our handy ‘Transition Factfile’, drawing together useful information from a range of sources. Holding all this together is ‘The Hub’. That’s where you’ll find assorted information on training and course options, along with reader reports and transition news. As is the case every month, QUEST aims to offer you practical guidance and information – your essential guide to support, training and careers.

For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk

Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798

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July 2017

JULY 2017 >>

Contents YOUR ELC

06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding

12 How to claim if you are still serving 14 How to claim after leaving 16 Avoiding queries or rejection 18 ELC dos and don’ts 20 Higher-level study 22 HE success story: former Royal Marine Brian Cole is well on his to way to becoming a fully qualified osteopath 24 Distance learning 26 Qualifications to further your Service career 28 On course: Facilities management 32 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 34 On course: MBAs 38 On course: Smart meter installation 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts

THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

52 Success story: inspiration from those who’ve already made the transition. This month, management consultant Dean Wood 55 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Resettlement matters: preparing for redundancy 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101 The basics

ubject to certain eligibility

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

Withdrawal once payment has been

criteria (see page 8), the ELC

Service leavers and Service personnel

made due to foreseeable postings/

scheme offers currently serving

in their qualifying resettlement phase

Service activities will usually meant

or former Service personnel access to a

with access to a first full level 3 or a

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

first HE qualification (a foundation

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

degree or a first undergraduate

compassionate reasons cause your

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

degree or equivalent) with support

withdrawal, you should seek advice

towards tuition fees.

from your Education Staff or Learning

Only one ELC claim can be made in

Adviser.Q

first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

information you need to know … l

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

learning of at least 20% of the cost (the ELC element includes VAT but

tier offers up to three payments of up

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

to £2,000 in three separate financial

books and materials). l

You must discuss your plans with

The three separate years do not have

your line manager and education

to run consecutively, and may be a

adviser before making any financial

combination of both higher and lower

commitment. l

ELC are available for full- or part-time

ELC may be claimed for the same

study for a qualification at level 3 or

learning course if it continues for more

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

than a year, or for a different learning

with an organisation on the approved

purpose each year. l

You must make a contribution to your

separate financial years; the higher

levels. l

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

If one course combines with others for

a single learning purpose these can be

− – Service training

combined to claim ELC.

− – civilian accredited Service training

You may not claim ELC for:

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

is involved, together with a separate

which is a single payment of up to

If unexpected Service or

any one financial year (April to March).

payments of up to £1,000 in three

years. l

that no further claims will be allowed. l

exam, assessment or assignment)

£3,000 for those with six or more

− – membership fees

years of qualifying service, which will

− – books and materials

count as all three awards.

− – normal Service sport and adventurous training.

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS From its inception until the end of March 2017, 382,375 people had registered with the ELC scheme and 127,114 claims had been made, to the value of £194.8 million.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

NEBOSH personal development/ resettlement Y 2 DA

training Y 2 DA

Qualifying trainers, managers and compliance specialists for the future

www.train2train.org

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR 2 DAY UPDATE

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR

The National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

FOOD SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

The National Certificate in Fire Safety & Risk Management HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Managers, trainers and health & safety specialists who have responsibilities in meeting or training legal compliance for health and safety and fire safety as well as those who are TEACHER TRAININGto develop OTHERaCOURSES looking new career.

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR 2 DAY UPDATE

FOOD SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

COURSE CONTENT:

5 units delivered over the 3 weeks:

Unit NGC1: Management of Health and Safety Unit NGC2: Controlling Workplace Hazards Unit NGC3: Health and Safety Practical Application Unit FC1: Fire SafetyOTHER and COURSES Risk Management TEACHER TRAINING Unit FC2: Fire Safety Practical Application

Venue: Academy House, Doncaster* Price:** £2,260 *Minimum numbers required **Price per delegate

For further details on this and other courses available, including Compliance Training Instructor, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Teaching qualifications, please contact us at:

t: +44 (0)1302 363136

e: info@train2train.org w: www.train2train.org

©Train2Train 2017 (June 2017)

Partner

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible for ELC?

Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l

All Regular Service Personnel (SP)

have left the Service or entered your

day of service, you will be eligible to claim

currently in service will be auto-

qualifying resettlement phase on or

ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to

enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will

after 17 July 2008

meeting the other conditions associated

meet UK residency requirements to

with the scheme.

future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l

qualify for full state subsidy.

The qualifying service required

Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

What about if you are medically

for both ELC lower-tier and FEHE

medically discharged from service before

discharged?

awards will increase from four to six

achieving the required number of years’

You are eligible to claim ELC at the

years from 1 April 2017. If you will

service. If this is the case, please seek

lower (£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier

already have accumulated four years’

advice from your unit education staffs.

depending on your length of service on

qualifying service before 1 April 2017,

In detail …

lower-tier award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

completing six years of service, you may

If you left – or are due to leave –

You can start claiming when you have

be eligible to make claims at the lower-

service on or after 1 April 2016, you

accumulated the necessary qualifying

tier rate if the injury or illness was caused

are entitled to post-service access to

years of service. For example, if you

or significantly worsened, wholly or

ELC and FEHE for five years.

registered on the ELC scheme and have

predominantly by service, as defined by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

have been entitled to start claiming at the

(JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the

FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).

£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

service for lower-tier awards will increase

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

from four to six years. However, if you will

eligible to claim under the terms of the

have accumulated four years’ qualifying

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

service before 1 April 2017, you will still be

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a

able to claim your lower-tier awards.

look at the feature on page 14 to find out

In brief … To take advantage of ELC support, you must: l

the date of discharge. Additionally, if

you keep your entitlement to use ELC

you are medically discharged prior to

more – or, for full details and to check the

have completed four years of full-time

What happens if you are made redundant?

detailed eligibility rules, visit

service or, from 1 April 2017, six years

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

have joined – or since April 2016

to be made redundant, you will cease

been automatically enrolled – on the

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

the day you leave service. If you have

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

accrued six or more years’ service since

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

registering on the scheme by your last day

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have

are academically qualified to enter

accrued eight or more years’ service since

learning on leaving the Service

registering on the scheme by your last

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses st consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2017: 28th July, 25th August, 29th September Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com

Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

s of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses. Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media support groups. Courses available include: NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH National Construction Certificate NEBOSH National Fire Certificate NEBOSH National Diploma And many more... Contact us today for an informal discussion on how we can help with your training requirements.

33 March 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

Course notes

YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

Engineering your way to the top

Accredited Competence in General Locksmithing level 3 course

echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is Alexander Bill completed Knob sets conducted over a three‐week period, his MBA part‐time at Aston Pad locks comprising two weeks in the technical Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the transport business Alstom. Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for you to gain in‐ Alex began his career at 5 lever British Standard mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. found the commercial and Car opening You will be taught to strip and business side of selling and delivering advanced industrial Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by services exciting. Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using specialist equipment. You interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that one for myself. And I’m glad that I did! out with a locksmith doing daily work on are found on wooden, aluminium and ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what to expect also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit the same time, the improvements to my skills when invaluable experience in situations that doors and grill‐type gates. presenting and communicating to a wide range of audiences may arise, especially dealing with the Along with all of the above you will – from the shop floor to very senior managers – have been public if you have never done this be given sound advice from professionals very noticeable.’ before. Please note that we can arrange with regard to the financial side of your Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on available for fullor part-time study l registration and accreditation fees carrying LC outare my day job, going to lectures, studying at thefor a at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how qualification at level 3 orAston above, asgreat, defined sports qualifications weekends and my family. However, was andon the your vehiclelshould Class hours are 9 am–4 pm. be laid out and very flexible. When, towards the end of my second year, my equipped, and what type of vehicle National Qualifications Framework/Regulated l even overseas qualifications daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. This is without doubt the best locksmith also help you to acquire Qualifications Framework (NQF/RQF),* with an organisationto use. We will l resettlement training (during last two years of service only). Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply on the approved providers list held by ELCAS and viewable at To find out more about accessing higher-level study in particular, flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These www.enhancedlearningcredits.com It couldwas behow an A-level, oraccounts willtake a look atpurchase, our feature 20.be awarded your level 3 NCFE ‘One of the most valuable things I learned to you will allow you to at on page analyse understand a wide range of may complex National Accredited Certificate in trade price, stock for your van, tools and an NVQand 3 or equivalent award. You alsoand useoften ELC to fund incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise Locksmithing. any specialist CHOOSING requirements that you anything above that, too, like university modules or nationally A may COURSE them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. You will also receive a full set of recognised diplomas. This might include: Before deciding on a course, you should consider: presentation that gets straight to the point. like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by l foundation degreesgave me the knowledge and skills to its relevance tohave your personal ‘The MBA definitely 341257.development plan a free 24‐hourlhelpline should you progress my career, qualifications helping me to be promoted to general l postgraduate l trading. your ability to undertake it problems while manager.’ l other academic qualifications l likely disruptions to Service requirements

How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding

Two‐week technical workshop l the flexibility of the study method. Get in touch Subjects covered Tel: 01432 341257 Pin tumbler locks email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com Disc locks Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk * The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is replacing the Qualifications Radial locks and Credit Framework (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the Pin‐tumbler locks bodies See the advertisement on page 39 QCF to expire on 31 December 2017. UPVC lock bodies

Getprofessional in touch self-development

lTel: accreditation 0121 204 3099

of prior learning

mba@aston.ac.uk lemail: vocational training Web: www.aston.ac.uk

See the advertisement on page 2

Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an

6WLYH[PVUZ 6MÄ JLY VY -SPNO[ +PZWH[JOLY

Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding

Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

1009

July Spring2017 2016l questonline.co.uk / COURSES4FORCES

www.avtech2000.co.uk

01892 770250 www.courses4forces.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

Next Course Date - 30th October

Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5

Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings.

We recommend that you book at least 16 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability. L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a L3 Diploma in Brick or Carpentry L3/4 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person Short Skills Courses - Use your SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, Painting & Decorating, or level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training “Don’t look anywhere else, this is the place to learn trade skills!” For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Jon Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk

W Woodward SHE Ltd.

W W Your Training - Your Entitlement - Your Future

5 NEBOSH Qualifications For 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD

New Courses Launching in Catterick - Summer 2017

NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH International General Certificate Conversion NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety NEBOSH Inter. Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Safety NEBOSH National Diploma in Health & Safety NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management

Courses Also Available at Our Training Venues in Edinburgh and Carlisle.

Telephone ~ Sharon on 01228 - 592614 email ~ info@woodwardgroup.co.uk

www.woodwardgroup.co.uk

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC

E LC Logo 4435

PROVIDER NUMBER

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence

Direction and Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future. 3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/ learning staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the

START YOUR NEW CAREER TODAY Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Level 4 Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners (QCF)

First Response Emergency Care (FREC)

ELC application form online. 6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver publicly funded FE/HE) and ask

Level 3 Certiﬁcate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)

them to apply for scheme membership using the

Level 4 Certiﬁcate in First Response Emergency Care (QCF)

information on the ELC website.

Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency & Urgent Care (RQF)

• Career development towards becoming a Paramedic • Realistic training environments • Experienced ex-NHS clinical tutors • Modular training options

8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee, so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims process. You can find this in the Annex at

T: 0345 5200 999 E: training@ﬁrstlineresponse.co.uk www.ﬁrstlineresponse.co.uk

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

the end of JSP822, which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

Phoenix Health & Safety are the Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses.

Courses available include:

•

NEBOSH National General Certificate

•

NEBOSH National Construction Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Fire Certificate

•

NEBOSH International Construction Certificate

support groups.

•

NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Diploma

0345 500 8811 info@phoenixhsc.co.uk

And many more...

Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media

NEBOSH International General Certificate

NEBOSH International Diploma

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3518

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services

Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).

lthough the main purpose of ELC

claim form to them at the relevant address

Royal Navy

is to encourage serving personnel

(again, see box), along with:

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

to pursue higher-level learning

evidence of your last day of Service,

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

that benefits both the learner and the

which could be a copy of your

PO2 8BY

Armed Forces, it also allows level 3-plus

discharge document, a copy of your

02392 625954

learning to be pursued during resettlement

P45 terminating employment or a

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

or for up to five years after leaving the

document stamped by your regiment

Services.* The majority of this learning

confirming your leaving date**

Army

a copy of a utility bill showing your

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

home address

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

full information about the course

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

future employer and, nationally, adding to

you wish to undertake and including

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

the UK’s skills base.

details of your registration date where

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

is likely to be vocational (learning new

skills or enhancing existing ones), with the qualification benefiting the learner and a

First of all, refer to the eligibility

applicable. Q

criteria listed on page 8. To make a

01264 381580 elc@detsa.co.uk

claim, download the appropriate form

The Army Single Service telephone helpline

from the ELCAS website and complete

*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please

it fully, except for Parts 4 and 5 – your

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Single Service Representative (SSR) will

com for the expiration date of your claims.

Royal Air Force

complete these elements (you will find

** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of

Learning Credits Administrator,

their contact details in the accompanying

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

box). Send your otherwise fully completed

team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

personnel can request details of discharge dates

IMPORTANT!

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845

NG34 8HB

All applications must be submitted to

6009663.

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the start of the course you wish to take. They will then submit approved applications to ELCAS. You should not submit your claim form direct to ELCAS.

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.

01400 268 183 22TrgGp-CTS-AandEWg-LCA@mod.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly

LCAS deals with many claims that

minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the

and research and discuss your learning with

have to be queried or rejected: almost

NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is

your line manager and Service education or

not on the ELCAS approved providers list

learning adviser. This also applies if you are

failure to follow the correct procedure for

a qualifying ex-Service person using your

authorising the claim

ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place

the course not commencing in the

for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead

qualifying financial year

enough you could find yourself significantly

incorrect financial data, such as the

out of pocket as retrospective claims are not

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

learner’s contribution being less than

allowed under any circumstances.

learners failing to allow sufficient time

20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated

20% of claims received fail to comply

with the correct procedures. Some of the

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l

as exceeding the ELC award

offered by an approved provider are

incomplete details or errors in course title

automatically admissible under the ELC

so any claim submitted within 25 working

or course level (these account for 25% of

scheme. This is a common mistake: one

days of the start of the course will

all rejected/queried claims)

provider may supply many courses, but only

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3

system

or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS

more than one active claim being

website may be considered for ELC purposes.

between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,

automatically be rejected l

form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also

a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation

Also, do not assume that all courses

processed for an individual in the same l

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

financial year.

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YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS

ELC dos and don’ts Do:

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

consult your education/learning staff

training and/or resettlement adviser if

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

(CAN) l

automatically assume that approved

needing to book a course

strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

National Qualifications Framework

carefully before submitting a claim

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

commit any payment contributions

and line managers to discuss your

between submitting a claim and l

inform your Education Staff,

the level 3 requirement l

enrol on a course or commit yourself

CAN from ELCAS l

enrol on a course with a new provider

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

Learning Adviser or Single Service

who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;

benefits the Service (unless your claim

representative if your last day in

wait until this has definitely been

is resettlement-related during your last

service alters from that originally

achieved – if this takes too long, look on

two years of serving)

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking

questionnaire when you’ve finished

* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim higher!

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

career openings, but if it turns out

higher education (HE) qualification

you’re no good at it, you’re unlikely

that’s great – you can use your ELC

to end up with a good qualification

to fund anything above level 3, and that

at the end of it – and may even fail

includes university modules and nationally

altogether.

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open

It’s a good idea to start by

to you for consideration include diplomas,

thinking about the qualifications

bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees

you already have and the subjects/areas you

and postgraduate qualifications. The only

have a flair for. Other things you might want

through students completing a number

problem you are likely to have is in deciding

to think about include the course provider’s

of modules, the distinction between HE

exactly what and how to study!

academic reputation (you can find university

(generally academic) and further education

league tables and subject ranking tables

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

online), its graduate employment rates, and

Credits from a selection of courses can often

You may already have a pretty good idea

links between the university or college and

be added together to gain degrees and other

of what you’d like to study at a higher

employers.

HE qualifications.

Choosing an HE course level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to

Having decided what you want to study,

With many qualifications being earned

Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

make sure you understand the nature of

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

distance learning. The difference between

the subject you are considering, especially

studying it.

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

if it’s something new to you. So do your

Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.

in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),

research, and ensure you know exactly what

How do HE courses differ?

a course is offering you – topic areas, what

The most basic difference is between the

are modular; this means that you complete

the modules will cover, etc. Whatever else

levels of courses. While most HE courses

them in sections (modules), often of your

you take in to consideration, it goes without

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

own choosing, and credits gained from a

saying that you must have a strong interest

qualifications such as a Higher National

selection of such courses can be gathered

in the subject and the course content, as

Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE

you will be spending three years or more

(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,

qualifications.

occupied with it, which won’t be much fun

such courses will be shorter than a degree

if it turns out you’re not that struck with it

course, more vocationally orientated and will

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

after all!

have lower entry requirements. Some will be

Which? University is a free and

You are also likely to do better at a

linked to degree courses, though, giving you

independent website packed with

course if you already have an aptitude for

the option of progressing to a degree if you

everything you need to find the right

the subject. It might be a really fascinating

perform well enough on the early parts of

university course for you. See http://

course, which promises to lead to a host of

the course.

university.which.co.uk

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

both types are involved. Many qualifications

Please note that Service leavers cannot

usually takes three or four years to complete

access support under the FEHE scheme to

full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,

SOURCES OF ADVICE

commence studies at master’s level but they

can take five or six years).

Your line manager should be your

can utilise their ELC for study at this level.

first point of contact. Each unit has

Postgraduate qualifications

an education/learning specialist, and

popular higher-level course options you

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

each Service also has a network of

could choose from …

qualifications that require learners to have

educational and learning centres

already completed a bachelor’s degree.

where advice can be sought and ideas

Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)

Most types of postgraduate qualification will

explored.

generally fall into one of two categories:

in open learning, with distance learning

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

postgraduate certificate or postgraduate

generally catering for students who are so

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

diploma.

far away that they study almost entirely by

Here’s a rundown of some of the other

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus

include taught and research elements. They

themselves.

designed to give you the skills to put that

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

knowledge to effective use in a particular

If you aren’t already in possession of the

ELC funding for higher education

job. Highly valued by employers, both in

lower-level qualifications you would normally

The good news is that your ELC provides

the UK and overseas, they can also count

need to build on in order to secure your

you with access to a first full level 3 or a first

towards membership of professional bodies

place on an HE course, the Access to Higher

HE qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first

and other employer organisations. HNCs

Education (HE) Diploma – often referred

undergraduate degree or equivalent) free

can take one year to complete full-time and

to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma

from tuition fees. This commitment means

two years part-time (or via, say, distance

– could be for you. It’s a qualification that

that Service leavers who have joined at level

learning). HNDs take two years full-time and

prepares people for study at university,

2, say, and have taken the opportunity to

can also be taken part-time (which takes

and is designed for those who would like to

gain a qualification such as an advanced

longer). (The award of an HND requires more

study in HE but who left school without the

apprenticeship, or other accredited learning

units to be passed than for an HNC.) They

usual qualifications, such as A-levels. It is

at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to

equate to approximately halfway between

widely accepted by universities and colleges,

access their first higher-level qualification.

an A-level and a degree, although they are,

having been developed with their support,

as mentioned above, more practically based

and is designed to provide a good grounding

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

than the latter.

in the knowledge and study skills needed

Training and Education, which can be

to succeed in HE. Although equivalent to

accessed and downloaded at www.

Foundation degrees

A-levels, Access Diploma courses are put

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

Foundation degrees combine learning with

together with people who haven’t studied

work experience if you decide you want

for a while in mind – and most don’t require

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

prior qualifications. Many are suitable for

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

study part-time or in the evenings, which

Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

is a fully flexible qualification that allows

adds to their flexibility. Most FE colleges

Compare official course data from

you to study full- or part-time to fit your

in England and Wales offer such Access

universities and colleges, including

lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240

courses, and a number are available through

student satisfaction and jobs after

‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full

distance learning, so you should be able

study (you have to apply to the college

account will be taken of any prior learning

to find a course that is convenient for you,

and experience you have accrued, too.

and that caters for your interests or career

UCAS: http://search.ucas.com

Recent developments, including university

ambitions. You can find out more about

Search and apply for full-time courses

partnerships and funding, make these

Access to HE courses, browse courses and

qualifications increasingly available to

read success stories on the Access to Higher

people in the Services.

Education homepage at www.accesstohe.

on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are

Full details can be found in JSP822

or university direct)

by course name, provider name or location l

Degree courses

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

ac.uk

advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

How to learn

academic study leading to a qualification

Qualifications can be earned through full-

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

time courses, part-time courses, day release,

Postgraduate study

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known

night school, open and distance learning

as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s

(see the feature on page 24 of this issue).

degree is designed to give learners a

There will usually be more times when

thorough understanding of a subject, and

students get together for joint study periods

Search for full- and part-time courses

Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses

Postgraduate Search: www. postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Your new life really can begin at 40! You know when they say ‘Life begins at 40’? Well it really can! The idea of starting again and retraining may seem daunting, but think of it as the start of the next phase of your life – an opportunity to do something you really find interesting. Former Royal Marine Brian Cole did just that. Here’s his story …

The College of Osteopaths only runs part-time courses so the majority of its students are mature learners – working, looking after their home life and studying towards a new career in osteopathy.

visits to physiotherapists and osteopaths

due to start in September. The course will

to maintain and treat the many injuries

provide me with a degree qualification in

I had. During one particular treatment

osteopathy, which is a requirement to work

session with an osteopath, we talked about

as an osteopath in professional sport.’

how he became an osteopath, and the ups

‘I have really enjoyed the structure

ear 5 osteopathy student Brian

and downs of osteopathy as a career. I

of the course. The monthly two-weekend

Cole was once in the Royal

decided that perhaps this was something

practical sessions are an excellent

Marines. He now has three sports

that I would be able to do.’

opportunity to meet up with everyone to

injuries clinics and is well on his to way to completing the final year of his degree

Funding and flexibility

qualification in osteopathy.

‘After much research on the internet I

establish how they are getting on, but most importantly to learn the practical skills.’

to two. I unfortunately did not have the

Sometimes it’s who you know …

‘There were several reasons why I wanted

funds to begin a full-time degree course

‘You gain qualifications throughout the

to undertake further training to become

although, remembering that I still had my

course. I set myself up as a sports injuries

an osteopath at the age of 40,’ says Brian.

ELC to use, the College of Osteopaths

therapist, advertised on local running club

‘The main one was that, after 22 years’

agreed to accept that and I applied for a

websites and began to build my sports

service in the Royal Marines, my contract

place with them. I needed to be able to

injuries clinic. I was then approached by the

was complete. While in the Marines

continue my work within the Marines and

GB Athletics Team to cover the World 100k

I represented Great Britain at cross-

somehow study and train to become an

Championships in Holland, which I accepted

country skiing, biathlon and athletics. I

osteopath at the same time. The college’s

and attended. I learned so much from the

now wanted a new and rewarding career,

Staffordshire programme of two weekends

World Championships. I was a little worried

which interested me and somehow

per month for five years offered me the

I might be out of my depth when working

involved me working with, and around,

opportunity to do this. The reviews from

with elite athletes who have weekly

people and mainly athletes. Being an elite

past attendees were excellent, so I took the

physiotherapist treatment, but I quickly

sportsperson myself, I attended weekly

plunge in 2012 and signed up for the course

realised that this was not the case. With my

The path to osteopathy

PART-TIME FULLY FLEXIBLE LEARNING

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

narrowed my choice of courses down

own experience of being an elite athlete,

Hard work, but worth it

an opportunity for osteopaths to come to

and the techniques I have learned from the

‘Fitting in studying and assignments with

the fore. I am looking forward to the new

course, I felt at home straight away and

a full-time job in the Royal Marines and a

career that has become possible for me

able to treat the athletes pre-, during and

family with two young children has been

thanks to undertaking this fantastic course.

post-race.

hard work for me, but with the end of the

‘My future plans include opening up

course now fast approaching I can feel a

another clinic, and employing a receptionist

great sense of achievement.

and another full-time therapist.

‘The feedback I gained from the athletes and management was amazing, and made me realise that I have been

‘My future goal is to set up an

‘If I could give any of my fellow Forces

trained to a very high standard and am

osteopathy practice, which is well on

personnel some advice, I would say, get

a very good therapist. On my return to

the way as I already have three sports

your ELC in place before starting a course

the UK I received a call from the head of

therapy clinics. I will keep working with

and attend a couple of college open days

UK athletes to thank me for the work I

running clubs and with GB Athletics, as this

if you can – these usually run throughout

did out in Holland and to offer me a place

has already got my name about and my

the year.’

on the Commonwealth Management

reputation seems to be a good one. I’m also

Team as sports therapist. I treated the

working towards creating a unique selling

Find out more

commonwealth champion and world

point in the area of osteopathy so I can

If you are inspired by Brian’s story,

champions, who both had injuries, before

stand out from the crowd.

you can find out more about the

the race and both gave amazing feedback

‘The course has given me the

to me and the management. The England

opportunity to learn about business

collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk Take a look

team won gold medals in both the women’s

development, time management and,

at the college’s open day pages at www.

and men’s races, as well as taking gold

of course, the hands-on skills needed to

collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk/open-days and

in the women’s individual, and silver and

become an osteopath. It gives you all the

see when you could go along to find out

bronze in the men’s individual races.

skills you need to be able to go out in

more. September comes around sooner

the field and practise in this developing

than you think and you could begin your

I again received a call from the head of

area. I really like the fact that most of the

journey to becoming an osteopath too!

England athletics, who thanked me and told

instructors are working as osteopaths. With

me he wanted me to be a permanent part

the changes and cutbacks in the NHS and

clinics, visit his website: www.colestherapy.

of the England and Great Britain teams.’

its treatment of non-critical injuries, I see

com Q

‘On my return from the championships

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College of Osteopaths here: www.

For more information about Brian’s

MSc Global Military Veteran and Family Studies Advance your career with a globalised perspective of veteran care. Starting January 2018 Ideally suited to those who are working, or who wish to work with military or civilian veterans and their families, at home and across national borders. For further information contact

01245 68 35 81 Find out more at chi.ac.uk/aded

lyndsay.baines@anglia.ac.uk twitter.com/angliaruskin facebook.com/angliaruskin

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

Remote control

Let the classroom come to you!

ASK YOURSELF … l

Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?

Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential

What’s involved?

can study when and where you

Courses delivered through distance

want. There’s no need to be

learning range from those taking as

Can I chat to previous learners?

physically on-campus to study or take

little as a few hours, to degrees and

Do I have to pass an entry test?

(some) training courses. And that, of

postgraduate qualifications that may

How much support is available? And in

course, is a considerable benefit to those

involve several years’ study. So-called

of you posted to far-flung locations,

‘short courses’ typically last days or

meaning that you can continue your

weeks as opposed to months or years.

distance, or is it necessary to attend

studies wherever in the world you may

Even those subjects with a strong

training sessions at specific times?

be. Nothing need come between you and your preparations for life in the civilian world. As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all of these

practical element often have modules

To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc. org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.

likely to overlap, but, as a rough guide, open learning includes

Thanks to the wide availability of useful

what form? l

How much does the course cost?

Will there be an exam at the end?

Is the provider inspected or accredited by an independent body?

If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three

provided by either one

years? l

following means: books,

Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of

phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts

How much time will I need to set aside for study?

and support may be or a combination of the

Can the whole course be done at a

technology these days, learning materials

Can I view the training materials first, before committing?

that are suited to distance learning.

types of learning are

employer)?

hanks to distance learning, you

operational duties? l

Is the course available via learning

and via mobile learning; the latter

tools that I will be able to access? (For

more face-to-face classes than distance

is where the student accesses course

example, if you are in an environment

learning, while the word ‘supported’

content stored on a mobile device or

where IT availability is limited, you

usually indicates that there are tutors

through a wireless server. Some providers

should select a course where it is

and physical material available to help

offer course elements via the iTunes

possible to use paper and telephone,

students.

Store, which can be downloaded free of

at least for a limited period.)

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

charge. Many courses make extensive

focus on something very specific – such as

where students can undertake online

use of the internet. Others involve tutor

the entrance examinations of a particular

learning, and that use ICT systems to

groups, which may meet regularly,

professional body.

enable users to access learning.

or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’

Both higher education (HE) and

Other information sources include

duration to provide classroom education

further education (FE) courses can

direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’

that complements regular, directed

be taken via distance learning. The

(somebody who has first-hand experience

coursework at a distance.

difference between these is not always

of a course or a training provider),

clear-cut though, and in some cases

written prospectuses and, of course, the

(e.g. foundation degrees), both types

internet. The website of the Open and

The great thing about distance learning –

are involved. Many qualifications are

Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL

especially for those, like you, in the Armed

modular; this means that you complete

QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

Forces – is that it puts you in control of

them in sections (modules), often of

contacts’).

your education. Once you have chosen

your own choosing, and credits gained

and enrolled on your course (see below),

from a selection of such courses can be

you are free to study when, where – and,

added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and

Who are the learning providers?

these days, how – you choose, so you can

other HE qualifications. It is not always

Many learning providers are neither HE

fit your education around your current

necessary to have an undergraduate

nor FE institutions, although they may

work and/or family commitments. It’s

degree to gain a master’s; neither is it

have links of varying strengths with

entirely up to you.

necessary to have one in order to achieve

one or more colleges or universities.

many professional qualifications.

Many companies run large training

At your convenience

And, of course, in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile

Increasingly, Service people like you

departments, and there are also many

learning, you can set up and study at a

are taking distance learning modules

commercial organisations that provide

location of your choice – home or work, at

as part of the training that contributes

training to paying clients. Much of the

a cafe, even while travelling. Importantly,

to career progression. So, you could

training such providers deliver is of

too, you can work at your own pace –

be studying with a view to gaining

excellent quality and targeted carefully

there are no term times to be rigidly stuck

qualifications that will help you while in

at the needs of civilian employers in a

to (although you may have to sit exams,

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

specific market sector. Many commercial

which may take place only at specific

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a

businesses offering training use the

times).

particular subject.

premises of academic institutions to

To sum up, distance study enables you

But how do you know who is a good

deliver courses, and may have contracts

take responsibility for your own learning.

provider and who is not? And exactly

with employment agencies to help their

However, although you will be in control,

which course do you need? All this choice

students find work.

a good provider will offer support – so you

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

will certainly not be alone, left completely

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

some of the bigger distance learning

to your own devices, but will have back-up

that should help you.

organisations, however – as mentioned

and assistance as and when you require it.

You are likely to have heard of

above – there are many other providers

There are also likely to be self-checks and

Finding out more

interim tests to help ensure that you are

Service education and training staff, both

of courses, some with discounts for

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

within your unit and specialists, can often

Service people (ask your education and

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

provide the best advice about what you

training adviser for further information).

telephone helpline to call or someone to

might want and what it is actually possible

email for advice if you get stuck.

for you to achieve. They can also

How do I choose a course and provider?

provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and recommend

out there too, also offering a wide range

KEY CONTACTS

Although necessarily influenced by

the subjects that you should be

demand from learners, there are loads

encouraged to pursue – particularly

of courses available in distance learning

with a view to a second career when

form. And because the choice of provider

leaving the Services. Increasing numbers

0800 101 901

is huge, too, you are more than likely to

of Forces learning and education centres

www.learndirect.co.uk

be able to track down the course you

and personal learning advisers also have

@learndirect

are looking for. This may be something

access to e-learning opportunities.

that will give you a general grounding

Information about courses is also

learndirect

Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC)

or background in a particular subject or

available from learndirect (see ‘Key

area (that you may go on to study in more

contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses

020 8658 8337

depth later), or you might be looking to

and learning centres with tutor support,

www.odlqc.org.uk

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

Boost your prospects

while serving

How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service publication, the main purpose

that your Service role might require,

Skills with regard to building services

of ELC is to encourage serving

but that are also highly likely to prove

engineering-related courses. A great many

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

useful once you leave the Forces, could

other areas are likely to serve you well in

that benefits both the learner and the

include accountancy and management

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

qualifications, or courses related to

your Service branch now, of course! Q

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

health and safety, and facilities or project

which state that any money provided for

management. Depending on your Service

your personal development has to be of

role, you could find yourself in a position to

immediate benefit to both the Armed

embark on a range of studies that will turn

Forces and the individual – if not, the

out to have a very useful crossover into

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

the civilian workplace when the time comes

accompanying box for more tax-related

for you to make the transition.

s noted elsewhere in this

Some of the areas of education

Similar work has taken place with Summit

For example, thinking of IT training

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

Under the ELC scheme, most courses

those courses that will benefit your own

network of employers working to creating

of study undertaken by individuals still

career and promotion prospects in the

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

serving are exempt from taxation, either

Services – and ultimately help you find

been involved in putting together a

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

employment on leaving – as well as offering

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

a benefit to the Service while you remain

qualifications, which in these high-tech

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

in uniform.

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

as they are while you remain in Service.

reach an agreement on tax exemption.

information.) The best of both worlds is offered by

This means that the Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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The course will be completed in in our indoor The course will completed our indoor The course will bebe completed in our brand practical rail training centre and includes practical rail training centre and includes new indoor practical rail training centre practical training sessions, classroom practical training sessions, classroom and includes practical training sessions, sessions and assessments. sessions and assessments. classroom sessions and assessments. For this qualification we can offer you a rail AsAs Akona is is anan ELCAS approved Akona Ltd ELCAS approved sponsor andLtd employment opportunities. training provider this qualification can bebe training provider this qualification can funded byby Enhanced Learning Credits. funded Enhanced Learning Credits. As Akona Ltd is an ELCAS approved training provider this qualification can be funded by Enhanced Learning Credits.

Rail Course List: Rail Course Rail Course List: AC Personal Track List: Safety Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety DCCR OLEC 1 11 OLEC OLEC OLEC 2 22 OLEC OLEC OLEC 3 33 OLEC OLEC NVQ Level 3Level Diploma in in Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ Level 3 Diploma Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ 3 Diploma in Railway Engineering Line Construction (QCF) Line Construction (QCF) Overhead Line Construction (QCF)

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questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Is facilities management for you? and operational objectives. On a day-to-

It’s one of the fastest-growing professions in the UK and vital to the success of any business. Perhaps it’s vital to your future success too? Read on to find out more …

F 28

day level, it provides a safe and efficient working environment, which is essential to the performance of any business, whatever its size and scope. Within this expanding discipline, facilities managers provide, maintain and develop services ranging from property strategy,

acilities management (FM) has

maintain and develop the agreed services

space management and communications

always been an essential aspect

that support and improve the effectiveness

infrastructure, to building maintenance,

of running a business and is

of its primary activities’. Put more simply,

administration and contract management.

recognised as a profession in its own right,

effective FM, combining resources and

defined by the British Institute of Facilities

activities, is vital to the success of any

Management (BIFM) as ‘the integration

organisation. At a corporate level, it

of processes within an organisation to

contributes to the delivery of strategic

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Performed well, FM can: l

deliver effective management of an organisation’s assets

enable new working styles and

FM, which now accounts for well over half

processes – vital in our current

of the total market. Functions can either

technology-driven times

be outsourced on an individual basis, or

enhance and project an organisation’s

everything can be outsourced to a ‘total

identity and image

FM’ company.

help the integration processes associated with change, post-merger or

Skill up while serving

acquisition

You may never have heard of facilities

deliver business continuity and

management – many Service people won’t

workforce protection in an era of

have, despite the fact that they may

heightened security threats.

well have been carrying out many of its

Legislation has had a considerable impact,

functions. Some may even be halfway to

with laws and regulations covering many

becoming professionally qualified in FM

different functions, such as access for

without even knowing it. So read on … this

people with disabilities. Health and safety

could be you.

at work covers a number of procedures,

needs and the time you have available. l

Qualifications are built up from a combination of mandatory and optional units, offering flexibility and choice.

There is no need to work up through the levels – you can start at the right level for you and your organisation.

The qualifications can be customised to suit your needs.

All assessments are practical and work based.

The qualifications cover real need-toknow FM knowledge and skills.

The qualifications are aligned with BIFM membership grades (see below) so

The vast majority of those in the Forces

you can enter at the appropriate grade

such as fire and other emergencies, which

have been involved in the management

have to be considered and implemented.

of facilities. Environments from ships

Indeed, the person responsible may have to

to ammunition sites, and from aircraft

BIFM Recognised Centres offer a variety

answer to the courts as well as their CEO.

maintenance hangars to divisional HQs,

of ways of learning – face-to-face, evening

are complex and demanding, and someone

class, distance learning, online learning – to

has to run them. It is not just the job of the

suit you. The centres are located across the

administrative or logistic specialist – often

UK, and many are ELC approved providers.

FM practitioners require excellent

it is a person with a very different job title

Indeed, the BIFM offers a number of

communication and management skills,

and other priorities who actually manages

opportunities for Service leavers to

as well as relevant knowledge, in what

the environment in which Service people

develop their FM skills and expertise, thus

has become a vital strategic discipline,

work.

helping you to build your earning potential.

Have you got what it takes?

which translates the high-level, strategic

and gain extra recognition in the job market.

Service leavers often find facilities

change required by senior decision makers

management a natural next step when

BIFM membership

into day-to-day reality for people in their

leaving the Forces; according to a recent

As the professional body for FM, the BIFM

working and personal lives.

FM World Salary Survey, the third largest

represents and promotes the interests of

Every organisation has someone

entry route into FM was through the Armed

members and the wider FM community,

responsible for the FM function. They

Forces, with 10% of the sample having

and offers several grades of individual

may not actually be called ‘facilities

come from that background.

membership.

manager’, but they will deal with this area.

Many Service environments differ from

Affiliate is its entry-level grade and is

The smartest of front offices will have

their civilian equivalents. However, the

suitable for anyone who has an interest

people behind the scenes to make sure the

principles are exactly the same: modern

in or is already working within the FM

lavatories work, the photocopier has paper,

threats such as fire, electronic attack and

industry – previous experience is not

and the internet server is up and running.

mechanical breakdown may be very similar,

Few companies or businesses have the

and contingency plans for equipment

manpower or resources to deal with all

redundancy, relocation and physical

available for those with an FM-related

aspects of FM, and this has been one of the

security translate easily to the outside

qualification at level 2, 3 or above, or

main reasons for the growth in outsourced

world.

with two years or more experience

GET TO GRIPS WITH THE TERMINOLOGY

required. l

Associate grade (ABIFM) is

in FM, while Member (MBIFM) and

Get qualified!

Certified (CBIFM) grades are available

BIFM qualifications allow you to gain a

to those with FM-related qualifications

recognised, accredited qualification to

at higher levels, and expertise/practical

The BIFM provides a useful tool that will

support your career and build your earning

experience across a wide range of

help you learn more about the world of

potential. All of its FM qualifications are

competences.

facilities management. Its FM Glossary

designed to be flexible and meet your

includes standard terms that don’t

needs. You can choose a level and depth to

the most prestigious grade of BIFM

change much, as well as new ones that

suit you and then select optional units to

membership – applicants are required

emerge and evolve based on what’s

match your development needs.

to hold Certified (CBIFM) member

happening within the FM industry.

Fellowship (FBIFM) of the BIFM is

All qualifications come in three sizes

status and are expected to have at

Access it here: www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/

– Award, Certificate and Diploma – so

least five years’ senior FM experience.

knowledge/Glossary

you can choose the one that suits your

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS The issue is to explain the skills and experience you have gained in the Forces environment to a civilian employer who may not immediately appreciate the similarities between a nuclear submarine and an office block, and how the skills you have acquired in the Services may translate to the civilian workplace. There is resettlement advice and training available in this field, should you either wish to specialise in it, or perhaps are looking to move in to a more general management role, part of which will

in all the disciplines associated with FM.

with added support to help manage the

involve being responsible for premises or

Many run huge contracts with military

transition from Armed Forces to a civilian

facilities.

organisations, providing the infrastructure

role in FM.

for bases throughout the UK and wherever

There are few professions that are as

There are various routes to these grades,

the Armed Forces are serving in the world.

well suited to a transfer from Services to

including a vocational route to MBIFM.

In smaller organisations, including schools

civilian life. Those in the Forces currently

You can gain professional recognition with

and partnership practices, FM may well be

looking after facilities are likely to be

BIFM membership.

only a part – albeit an important one – of

learning valuable skills for use in industry.

the overall management job.

However, as noted above, there are

If you’re planning to move into FM after

some key elements involved in gaining

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

leaving the Forces, you can find various job

professional recognition in the FM field, so

training can be taken, provided it is offered

vacancies and support via the BIFM, to help

it helps to understand the importance and

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

you make your career transition. Search

relevance of previous experience. Q

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

for the latest jobs in facilities management

co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full

on FM World Jobs, the recruitment

details of how to make the most of your

website for FM World, the BIFM’s

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

magazine – see: http://jobs.fm-world.

pages 6-26.

co.uk/

Finding employment

service for members, to support FM

Many, if not most, FM jobs are with

professionals at any stage in their career.

specialist companies in this field, often

All career coaching sessions are one-

+44 (0)1279 712620

contracted out to a client organisation.

to-one to ensure that you get tailored

info@bifm.org.uk

These companies employ, permanently or

guidance that is relevant to you. Discover

www.bifm.org.uk

on contract, people who are competent

the career direction that is best for you

@BIFM_UK

Use your ELC

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

The BIFM also offers a careers

KEY CONTACTS

British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM)

committing to courses

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

You too can get into HE …

… thanks to the Access to Higher Education Diploma. Although you may think that you don’t have the necessary qualifications to step up to HE, the Diploma could be your ticket to rise

designed to give you the skills, subject knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in higher education

available at more than 300 providers

designed specifically for adults; around 50% of Access to HE students are over 25 years of age

that helps around 25,000 adults start a higher education course each year and continue their transition to new challenges

recognised by HE providers across the UK, so you are not tied to a particular place for your next course of study

at level 3, which is the same academic level as A-levels and means that you can use your ELC towards fees.

You will be taught subject knowledge, and learn the academic skills needed to succeed in higher education, in a supportive and encouraging environment. Access to HE Diplomas are available in a wide range of subjects, from engineering to nursing. More than 1,000 QAA-recognised Access to HE Diplomas are listed on the database on the Access to HE website. You can search by

he Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification designed for people

who would like to go on to higher education, but left school without the qualifications

TALK TO US! Come along for a chat with the Access to HE experts at the South East Education Fair and Festival of Learning at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre on 19 July.

usually needed. The Diploma is taken

are taught in further education colleges. However, they are also available from private training providers, some of which offer distance learning study options.

How is the Access to HE Diploma made up?

by people of all ages and backgrounds,

challenging, but the purpose of the Diploma

The Diploma is made up of blocks of study

although it is designed for adults who have

is to help you succeed.

called units. Units are usually based around

few, or no, qualifications. Many Access to

More than 330,000 of the mature

HE students are looking to transition to a

students who have already gained an

governed by Rules of Combination, which

new career.

Access to HE Diploma have gone on to

explain which units need to be completed

university, changed their career or moved

in order to complete the qualification. Each

up the career ladder.

unit is allocated credits, and you must

The Diploma is designed to offer academic preparation for HE study in a supportive and encouraging environment. It to make sure students are ready to begin

The Access to HE Diploma is a qualification …

their HE journey.

delivers subject knowledge and study skills

Many people are nervous when they start an Access to HE course, particularly if they haven’t been in a classroom for some

subject, college or location. Most Diplomas

successfully complete 60 credits, which meet the Rules of Combination, to achieve the Diploma. Each unit is graded Pass,

designed to prepare adults without the

Merit or Distinction, and you will receive

qualifications they need for study at

a profile of grades, to a maximum of 45

university

credits at level 3. Universities will make

that provides support and

offers for particular grade profiles.

time – Access to HE tutors are aware of this

encouragement, through tutors and

and take it into account, so you won’t be

other students, many of whom are in

‘thrown in at the deep end’. The course is

transition to a new career

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

a particular topic. Each individual Diploma is

Funding your studies

What next?

Contact the college

Fees for Access to HE Diplomas vary and,

First, check your qualifications

if you’re eligible for the publicly funded

Do you have GCSEs in English and maths?

up to an Access to HE Diploma, and find

FEHE scheme, you will have options to

If you don’t have them already, it is a good

out more about what you will learn on the

pay for your Access to HE and university

idea to do them before you start your

course. There is no national curriculum for

studies. Some Access to HE providers

Access to HE Diploma. Your education

Access to HE Diplomas so not all subjects

are listed on the ELCAS website at www.

officer should be able to help you find a

will be the same at every college.

enhancedlearningcredits.com Tuition

GCSE course, and you may be able to do

fees for all QAA-recognised Access to HE

them before you leave the Services.

Diplomas (those listed on the database) can

Speak to college staff about how to sign

Take advice on funding Your education officer and college staff

also be paid for using an Advanced Learner

Find an Access to HE Diploma

should also be able to give you advice

Loan. Information about these can be

You can do this by searching the QAA’s

about other funding opportunities that may

found on the relevant section of the gov.uk

Diploma database at https://goo.gl/0XUJ4N

available to help with living or childcare

website: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

It is also a good idea to look at HE courses

costs.

Access to HE Diplomas cost around

that interest you and will help you get

£3,350 if they’re paid for with an Advanced

the career you want. There are lots of

Visit our website

Learner Loan. However, when you complete

websites to help you find out about higher

… at www.accesstohe.ac.uk and take your

your university studies, the balance of your

education and the courses on offer. There

first step to finding out more about Access

Advanced Learner Loan will be cancelled.

are hundreds of courses to choose from, so

to HE Diplomas. It’s never too late!

Advanced Learner Loan repayments

allow some time for this. The names of most

start when you earn more than £21,000 per

Access to HE Diplomas describe the HE

Find out more

year, which means you may be paying the

course they are designed to prepare you for

loan back while you study. So it is important

– for example Access to HE Diploma (Law).

personnel, their families and advisers. Visit

to look in to your funding options carefully

Reading about the successes of Access to

the Service personnel page on our website

to ensure you make the best choice for you.

HE students might also help. For real-life

at: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/Pages/

Access to HE providers, your education

stories, visit https://goo.gl/qgKL9h

AHE4SP.aspx Q

officer or transition staff should be able to help you choose the best route.

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questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: MBAS

MBAs under the

microscope backwards to ensure you pick the

If your CV includes an MBA, it’s likely to focus employers’ attention: it’s a highly respected qualification, sought after in a wide range of career sectors, and the routes to achieving it are eminently flexible. So what are you waiting for?

right content in your MBA. Although there are many programmes to choose from, not all are accredited – which is important if you are seeking funding (see ‘Cost’, below). Also, employers prefer accredited courses. l

You are normally expected to have between three and five years’ work

What’s involved?

you can enrol on an accredited

BA stands for Master of

education, finance, global management,

Business Administration. An

hospitality and tourism, IT, leadership

MBA, which is a postgraduate

and telecommunications. What’s more,

to study. You will need to put aside

degree, provides a route into top or senior

it’s possible to take an MBA full-time,

around 20 hours a week on a distance

management positions in both the public

part-time or through distance learning.

learning course, or you may decide to

and private sectors. The qualification

So, with so much flexibility within this

enrol on a full-time programme, which

was introduced to attract people with

qualification, what’s the best way to make

can be very intense.

scientific approaches to management as

your choices?

industrialisation began to grip the world

experience and hold a degree before related areas, including economics,

in the early 20th century, but – these

Planning your study

days – MBAs exist in a range of business-

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Know your end goal, then work

programme. l

Think about the best way for you

What your MBA covers Most MBAs comprise core management subjects (such as human resource

BENEFITS OF AN MBA An MBA will give you: l a globally recognised qualification l an insight into how business works l an understanding of the tools that businesses use l a professional, innovative and creative approach l enhanced managerial and leadership skills l a high degree of employability.

think about for the future perhaps, when you’ve secured your new job in the civilian workplace). Generally speaking, an employer nominates candidates and then supports them through the programme of study, which typically takes place on a number of weekends during a set period of time.

Cost MBAs don’t come cheap, and a full programme of study can cost more than £55,000. However, funding may be possible, and a part-time or distance learning course will allow you to stagger the cost.

Using your ELC You can also use your ELC to take courses management, financial management

suits you, tackling the modules in the

at level 3 and above (an MBA is level

and strategy) that will deepen your

order you choose. Typically, it would

7). This means you will receive funding

understanding of how business works;

take around three years to complete,

provided your training is offered by an

elective modules that you can choose

but can be combined with other paid

approved/accredited provider. However,

according to your career path; and a

work, making it one of the better

please note that, while you cannot access

written or work-based project.

options for those still serving.

support under the FEHE scheme to

Distance/open learning: this

commence studies at master’s level, you

allows you to study wherever you

can use your ELC for study at this level. Q

Length of study l

Full-time programme: this may take

are, sometimes in conjunction with

from 12 months to two years. The

attending live tutorials, again making

one-year course is the most common

it a more suitable option for serving

in the UK, but would mean giving up

personnel. You will complete a fixed

any other job in order to focus fully on

sequence of study, although you

study.

may be able to take breaks between

Part-time programme: this would

each of the modules. It is possible to

allow you to continue with any current

complete your MBA in around three

FURTHER INFORMATION

work and the income you may already

years, although you could, in theory,

Further information on accredited MBA courses can be obtained from the Association of MBAs, which also gives details of MBA fairs throughout the UK. See: www.mbaworld.com

be earning, and could be a good option if you are looking to enhance your l

take as long as you like. l

Executive programme: this allows

employment skill sets.

you to deepen your knowledge and

Modular study: this requires you to

understanding while staying with

direct your own study at a pace that

the same employer (something to

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

Training that makes a difference and gives you options enhancing job and promotion prospects SLC, ELC and resettlement registered

Check our website to find how you can achieve 2 certificates for just one ELC and the opportunity to become a fully certified NLP Practitioner for just Â£150 extra, all of which sets you up for a fulfilling and rewarding future. Å&#x2DC; ,/0 /HDGHUVKLS DQG 0DQDJHPHQW TXDOLÆ&#x201C; FDWLRQV DW OHYHOV Å&#x2DC; ,/0 LQWURGXFWLRQ WR 0HQWRULQJ TXDOLÆ&#x201C; FDWLRQ OHYHOV Å&#x2DC; ,/0 &RDFKLQJ DQG 0HQWRULQJ OHYHO RU ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D IXOO 1/3 3UDFWLWLRQHU FRXUVH Full details of dates, prices and locations can be found on our website

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CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Smart YOUR ELC ON COURSE: SMART METER INSTALLATION

choice! Connect with the facts and become a smart meter installer What’s involved? It’s expected that most British households will have had smart meters installed by their energy company before 2020. However, making sure that enough technical and support staff are trained and able to implement this plan is an enormous challenge. The government’s Smart Metering Programme aims to roll out more than 50 million smart gas and electricity

GET SMART!

Further information about the UK Smart Metering Programme can be found at gov.uk

meters to all domestic properties, and smart or advanced meters to smaller non-domestic sites in Great Britain. The rollout of smart meters is considered to be

means that can be communicated back

Great Britain, installed by both large

to the utility company at least daily, for

and small energy suppliers.

monitoring and billing purposes – there is no need for someone to visit the property

the largest installation programme ever

What is a smart meter?

undertaken: it involves visits to 30 million

Smart meters are the next generation of

homes and 2 million small businesses to

gas and electricity meters, offering a range

replace both electricity and gas meters.

of intelligent functions, which include

track of how much energy they use in real

telling consumers how much energy

time, and let them to see which of their

meters were installed by the large energy

they are using via a display in their home

appliances use the most power. The aim

providers in the fourth quarter of 2016

or business. The meter is an electronic

is to help them reduce their energy usage

(409,700 gas and 525,800 electricity

device that records the consumption of

and so cut bills. Smart meters bring a

meters). There are already almost 6 million

energy; unlike previous models, though, it

range of benefits for consumers: they offer

smart and advanced meters operating

enables two-way communication between

near real-time information on energy use,

A total of 935,400 domestic smart

the meter and the central system, which across homes and businesses in

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

to read the meter as is currently the case with ‘traditional’ meters. Smart meters allow customers to keep

expressed in pounds and pence, allowing

5. explain to the customer how to read

them to better manage their energy use

the meter information and how to alter

and get accurate bills, as they are billed

the settings to get the most from it

only for energy actually used.

Installers in demand

6. answer any further questions the customer may have.

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS As a smart meter installer, you will need: l an aptitude for maths l sound practical skills l good organisational skills l excellent customer care skills l the ability to work alone l excellent communication skills to explain how meters work l self-motivation and a commitment to your own career development l an awareness of safe working practices.

demand for the many trained smart

Have you got what it takes?

meter installers needed to deliver the

Appropriate training is being developed

government’s targets, which makes it

for all the different types of staff involved

a future employment route well worth

in the smart meter rollout – from installers

considering. As a smart meter installer

to those designing and manufacturing the

and technician, you are likely to work

meters. The main challenge, though, will

for between 35 and 40 hours per week,

be to identify and train installers who have

Monday to Friday, fitting new gas and

both dual-fuel technical skills as well as the

electricity meters in customers’ homes

‘softer’ skills required to explain clearly

for both gas and electricity, and now

and businesses. You may also be part of

to customers how to use their new smart

Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills), whose

a standby rota for jobs outside normal

meter.

qualifications are funded by the National

It is clear, then, that there is an increasing

working hours, which could include

This dual-fuel cross-training and

Skills Academy for Power (NSAP), is

weekends and, therefore, overtime pay.

upskilling is a key training need. Indeed,

developing an intermediate level (level 2)

Some installation sites may be outdoors,

a spokesperson for one of the main UK

apprenticeship in Dual Fuel to support the

so you should be prepared work in all

utility companies has said that, ‘Field

government’s smart meter strategy.

weathers.

force engineers will have to have dual-fuel

During the installation process, you

City & Guilds offers a qualification –

capability, know how to commission the

Smart Metering (7428) – which is aimed

will also demonstrate to customers

communications for the smart meter, pair

at those installing gas or electrical smart

how to use their new meters, as well as

up the in-home display (IHD) device and

meters, and allows candidates to learn,

provide impartial energy efficiency advice

explain to the customer how it works. This

develop and practise the skills required

(although you won’t be required to sell

requires a much broader set of technical

to install and maintain smart meters and

energy plans or tariffs). You might find

and softer skills than is normally expected

communication devices. The gas and dual-

yourself working for one of the major

from a meter installer.’

fuel pathways lead to Gas Safe registration

energy companies, or perhaps for a smaller

You are also likely to need background

for those working in the gas and power

firm that has a contract to install smart

checks through the Disclosure and Barring

industries installing and maintaining smart

meters. Whoever your employer, they

Service (DBS) before you can work in

meters.

would normally provide you with a van to

people’s homes. Your employer would

get from job to job, which means that a full

arrange for these to be carried out.

UK driving licence is required. Once the meters have been installed

Get qualified!

Some of the major utility companies have also taken the initiative to provide suitable training. A spokesperson for Eon-UK, for example, says the company

you may also be called upon to maintain

Smart meter installation qualifications

‘has helped develop a smart metering

and repair them later – which is worth

have been developed and accredited

qualification, which is aligned to our

remembering as it extends the job role well beyond the initial rollout period. So, if you have good practical skills, get on well with people from all walks of life, and are looking for a new future career that gets you out and about, this could well be the right job for you!

What do smart meter installers do? A typical job might follow this pattern: 1. visit the customer’s premises at the appointed time 2. remove the existing meter 3. fit the new smart meter 4. carry out tests to make sure the new meter is working correctly

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: SMART METER INSTALLATION

current training offerings, and is now

to install smart meters in homes and small

Some companies may include expenses

supporting the work to develop an

businesses will take place between now

and mileage as part of the salary package.

apprenticeship route. We are also hoping

and 2020, work is already under way. To

At least in the early years, it seems likely

to be one of the first organisations to gain

get involved, you need to apply directly to

that cross-trained installers will be in high

accreditation from NSAP for the quality of

energy suppliers or installation contractors

demand and will consequently be able to

our smart meter training programmes and

for a trainee position. You may also be

command salaries that are higher than

academies.’

able to get in through an apprenticeship

average. Q

As well as specific smart meter training courses, qualifications in maths,

energy company, construction firm,

English, science, design and technology,

specialist installation firm or housing

or electronics would all be useful. Many

association.

of the big energy companies offer

With experience, you could

KEY CONTACTS

apprenticeships in ‘Smart Metering – Dual

become a team leader or estimator,

Fuel’, which can take six to nine months

or set up your own installation

to complete. These combine classroom-

business. With further training, you could

based learning with on-the-job experience,

become an energy efficiency consultant,

0344 994 4400

working alongside a qualified smart meter

or move into gas or electrical engineering

www.citb.co.uk

installer. You can also learn how to install

with an energy company.

@CITB_UK

smart meters if you are training to be a gas

CITB

It is thought that the staff involved City & Guilds

installation engineer on the Gas Industry

in the rollout will be a mixture of

Apprenticeship. As a trainee installer, you

current employees, new recruits and

0844 543 0000

would combine technical training with work

subcontractors. Some companies have

www.cityandguilds.com

placements and receive mentoring from a

estimated that, at peak times, they will

@city_and_guilds

qualified member of staff.

potentially need four times their current

You could also work towards the

level of staff. Conservative estimates

Energy & Utility Skills Limited

level 2 Diploma in Smart Metering. This

from EU Skills’ workforce planning model

0845 077 9922

qualification has three options – power,

(based on a dual-fuel installer scenario)

www.euskills.co.uk

gas or dual-fuel – and you choose the one

suggest that up to 6,300 installers will be

@EUSkills

that covers the meters you want to work

required to complete the smart metering

with. Training in gas or dual-fuel smart

rollout across the UK up to 2019. EU Skills

meters will also lead to your inclusion on

also indicates that, with a high proportion

0800 408 5500

the Gas Safe Register, which demonstrates

of the existing metering workforce

enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

that you are qualified to install meters

approaching the average retirement age

www.gassaferegister.co.uk

safely. Once qualified, your employer will

for the industry over the next five years,

@GasSafeRegister

also certify you as competent through

there could be a need for around 4,000

the Meter Operation Code of Practice

new recruits during this period.

Agreement (MOCOPA). Check out the individual energy

If these projections are correct, and

Gas Safe Register

Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (Semta)

the rollout does create a wealth of new

0845 643 9001

suppliers’ websites for details of their

jobs, what will happen to these employees

customerservices@semta.org.uk

training schemes. You can find a full list of

at the end of the rollout period? As

www.semta.org.uk

suppliers via Ofgem (see ‘Key contacts’).

mentioned above, there will still be a need

@SemtaSkills

Use your ELC

for maintenance and repair technicians. Experts in the field have commented that,

Think Power (for comprehensive

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

‘no programme is ever complete and there

information on careers in the power

training can be taken, provided it is offered

will continue to be a wave effect’, and

industry): www.thinkpowersector.co.uk

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

‘there will be an ongoing role for the meter

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

installation workforce’.

co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your

What could you earn?

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

Please note that the figures given here are

pages 6-26.

a rough guide only.

Finding employment

scheme. You could find work with an

for general reading. •

Ofgem (for a list of energy suppliers):

•

gov.uk: visit www.gov.uk and search for

•

Energy Saving Trust:

•

Energy UK: www.energy-uk.org.uk

www.ofgem.gov.uk

Trainees can start on around £13,000 a year. Once qualified, this could rise to

Due to the ongoing rollout of the UK Smart

£21,000. Experienced installers working

Metering Programme, prospects for trained

on short-term contracts may be able to

staff are good. Although the main effort

earn between £24,000 and £30,000.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

You may also find the following links useful

‘smart meter’ www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

INSPIRE

Volunteer at Sea Cadets to inspire young people in your community with the skills you learnt in the Armed Forces. sea-cadets.org volunteer@ms-sc.org Supported by Community Covenant Fund

Patron: HM The Queen Marine Society & Sea Cadets, a charity registered in England and Wales 313013, Scotland SC037808

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses www.courses4forces.co.uk When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study

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Check our website to find how you can achieve 2 certificates for just one ELC and the opportunity to become a fully certified NLP Practitioner for just ÂŁ150 extra, all of which sets you up for a fulfilling and rewarding future. Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 /HDGHUVKLS DQG 0DQDJHPHQW TXDOLĆ&#x201C; FDWLRQV DW OHYHOV Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 LQWURGXFWLRQ WR 0HQWRULQJ TXDOLĆ&#x201C; FDWLRQ OHYHOV Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 &RDFKLQJ DQG 0HQWRULQJ OHYHO RU ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D IXOO 1/3 3UDFWLWLRQHU FRXUVH Full details of dates, prices and locations can be found on our website

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July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Spring 2015

01245 68 35 81 lyndsay.baines@anglia.ac.uk twitter.com/angliaruskin facebook.com/angliaruskin

Q Plan ahead!

YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDING PLANNER

Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it

Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?

PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons

>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career

PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide

Other sources of information include:

Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)

A PD Route Map

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)

unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)

PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel

A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure

College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available

There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources of advice and finance).

To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on page 24.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

College Courses

You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC and ELC. In addition, many in-Service education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families, especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families. Contact your education/training officer for details.

Personal Development Record (PDR)

Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.

Key: Q Service personnel

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

Sponsored by

Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning costs. You are able to claim 80% of your course fees, up to a maximum of £175 per financial year. To qualify for SLC funding, the course of study must lead to a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and directly benefit the Service.

Enhanced Learning Credits

The ELC scheme offers currently serving or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years. A new Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education ELC was created in 2016. It’s an aggregated lower-tier award, which is a single payment of up to £3,000 for those with six or more years of qualifying service, which will count as all three awards. You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost, and must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment. Detailed information about ELC can be found in the first half of this magazine. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)

The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation. For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well. If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com

University Short Courses

The University Short Course Programme (USCP) exists to enhance the general educational development of Service personnel through providing short courses at a range of universities in topics such as leadership and management, regional and strategic studies, and languages. Course fees and accommodation costs are funded by the Services. Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.

learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.

Jobcentre Plus Professional and Career Development Loans

Finding a job

These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900.

The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC), Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract (called Contract Funded training). These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of the £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the students, but other allowances may be available to help with those.

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.

Armed Forces Champions

Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

Useful contacts

Need to know more? Here’s who can help …

or general enquiries about

Education and Resettlement Staff

RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk

the scheme, eligibility and

seeking further clarification of sS

(

qualifications, seek advice from

instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,

381580)

at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET

resettlement staff in the first instance,

SO3C’ (

not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer

625954)

Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF

Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors

the following single-Service education and

(PLAs), and Resettlement and

Army: Individual Education and

Learning Centres. Education and

guidance on eligibility or education/

Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army

Resettlement Staff seeking further

learning or resettlement needs. Policy

Education Centres, which must be used

clarification of sS instructions should

helpline details are as follows.

by Service leavers on resettlement.

contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:

RN: RN/RM Education and

Education and Resettlement Staff

’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (

Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval

seeking further clarification of sS

95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)

Education and Training Support

instructions should contact the relevant

Officers (NETSOs) and Naval

SO2 Retention and Resettlement in

In addition, advice on any aspect of the

Resettlement Information Officers

Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-

ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:

(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.

ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-

applications, not provide advice and

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Mil:

People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

WANT TO WIN £250?

Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize! Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of qualifications (and are perhaps still working on others), or you’ve already negotiated the resettlement process and are well into your new life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us know about your experiences? Your own personal learning or resettlement story could feature in a Quest January 2016_2015 22/12/2015 09:27 Page 11 future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.

And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner. So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

HUB THE

THE HUB

>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

Your path to the pre-hospital care sector

First Line Response received ELC provider status in 2010 and has since then continued to enhance the individual skills of ex-military personnel to create new career pathways within the pre-hospital care sector. We provide a broad range of clinical and driver education programmes, delivered by a team of tutors with significant training experience in both the Acute NHS Trusts and NHS Ambulance Services, ensuring we meet the nationally recognised clinical standards for employment opportunities within the NHS, emergency services and private security sectors. The level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner and level 5 First Response Emergency and Urgent Care Diplomas offer skills, knowledge and experience through an apprenticeship style of learning, to allow for career progression towards paramedic education. On successful completion of our training packages to include the level 3 Emergency Response Ambulance Driving course, candidates will have the experience and opportunity to gain employment within multiple pre-hospital environments, including the ambulance service, security industry and offshore and remote sectors. Courses are offered in a range of locations in the UK and Cyprus, with full industry recognition. First Line Response has provided education to support the prehospital sector to the highest standards for the past 13 years and continues to develop training programmes and opportunities globally. Many of our past students have successfully gone on to gain employment directly with the NHS Ambulance Service or Fire & Rescue Service, or to enhance their education through completion of paramedic programmes and/or offshore medic courses to take their skills overseas. Start your new career today and enrol on one of our clinical and emergency driving packages – all approved for ELC funding.

Valuable training package awarded to first ‘deserving delegate’ Corporate Risk Systems Limited has a programme of donating an MoD Full House training package, valued at £2,600, to a deserving delegate at all remaining BFRS events in 2017. The first of these is Kimberley Edmunds-Jones, who was nominated by the charity Armed Forces Bikers. The reason behind her nomination was that she has not found things easy since leaving the military – she has PTSD, but has worked hard to overcome barriers due to this. At present she is having difficulty securing full-time employment, but does pick up some part-time work. The training package is of particular interest to Kimberley due to the path she wants to take, and the charity knows it will be the sort of training she can ‘really get her teeth into’. Kimberly was presented with the certificate that will allow her to claim her future training at the recent BFRS Catterick Jobs and Careers Fair, by David Hancock-Dexter, Sales Manager for Corporate Risk Systems Limited, and Amanda Wood-Woolley from Armed Forces Bikers. David and Kimberley initially thought that the combination of the Nebosh National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Nebosh Certificate in Environmental Management and Nebosh Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate would be ideal for future job applications.

Get in touch 0345 5200 999 enquiries@firstlineresponse.co.uk firstlineresponse.co.uk

Get in touch 01332 527107 advice@crsrisk.com www.crsrisk.com

See the advertisement on page 12

See the advertisement on page 11

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

>> PRIZE DRAW

>> BUSINESS START-UP

Win a Morgan EV Junior worth £8,000!

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces

Thanks to sponsors London Morgan, Team BRIT is offering you an amazing opportunity to win a Morgan EV3 Junior children’s car. The fully electric replica is designed for children aged six and over and is capable of 16 kph. The winner will be able to choose the colour of the car and interior leather, so will receive their bespoke dream car. Alongside this fantastic prize, they will also receive a set of four GT Radial tyres, as well as a Team BRIT jacket, polo shirt and cap. Entry costs just £2.50 and there is no limit to the number of entries per person. Proceeds will go to KartForce and will help injured troops all over the country to access motorsport through endurance karting. Full details of the competition are at www.teambrit.co.uk/grand-draw Tickets

Why do a business plan? will also be sold at Team BRIT races and events. The winner will be drawn at random at 5 pm on Monday 14 August 2017. All proceeds to KartForce, registered charity 1146454. To find out more about KartForce, visit www.KartForce.org and for more on Team BRIT, see www.teambrit.co.uk

>> HOUSING SUPPORT

Stoll announces housing criteria for new homes in Aldershot

Stoll, the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, has published housing criteria for Veterans interested in moving into brand new accommodation in Aldershot, where 34 homes are currently being built for vulnerable and disabled Veterans to rent from spring 2018. Says Andrea Howlett, Stoll’s director of housing and development, ‘Given the shortage of appropriate housing for Veterans, we are inviting those who need both housing and support to apply for a new home. The new purpose-built accommodation will enable people who have served in the Armed Forces to rent an affordable place to live. They will also receive tailored support to meet their individual needs.’ To be eligible, applicants must have served in the UK Armed Forces.

The homes are available for disabled Veterans or those who need support to live independently, and who are currently inappropriately housed and have a low income. Stoll will begin assessing applications from 1 October 2017 and will work closely with local partners including the Army, Mike Jackson House and Rushmoor Borough Council. The local authority will be able to recommend Veterans for 12 of the properties. All applicants will need to meet the eligibility criteria and all will go through the same assessment. Full details are available at www.stoll.org.uk To find out more about the practical support and opportunities offered by Stoll, turn to our feature on page 55.

By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces For start-ups, sales forecasts are critical – particularly how the new business will attract customers. Next, the plan will specify the resources (people, equipment, money) required to achieve the forecast sales, including realistic timescales to achieve significant milestones such as when the business will start trading. This information will be the basis on which the financial forecasts (profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow forecast) are prepared. Once completed, the plan can be used to monitor the performance of the business. As a business grows, the first business plan can be used to prepare annual budgets and updated financial forecasts for the year ahead. A business plan is next required when considering raising finance. Finance providers require considerable information in support of loan applications, such as financial forecasts, historic annual accounts and management accounts. A business plan should provide a vision of the business’s future, how it will grow, why the finance is required and how it will be paid back. But it’s when a business wants to sell shares in the business that a full business plan will be most required. The business plan must be exciting but credible, and offer evidence of growth and future prospects. The Executive Summary must have a wow factor. It should clearly describe the business proposition and contain a summary of the financial figures, up to five years ahead, including the amount of capital sought. Potential investors will want to examine the details supporting the business plan. So be prepared to back up key assumptions. The skills learned and the perspectives gained while preparing the first plan will help with growing the business, raising finance and – who knows? – one day potentially the sale of a successful business. Case study: David Smith, CrossFit Spitfire and former RAF Armaments and Explosives Management specialist ‘The main challenge I have faced so far – especially in the set-up stage of the business – has been having to engage and manage a number external organisations such as estate agents, landlords, solicitors, local councils, equipment suppliers, trades people and clients – especially to tie everyone down, all together, in a timescale that meets the business plan while ensuring the books balance. ‘Having a good, well-thought-through business plan has helped with this significantly, while maintaining the belief and confidence that it will work. Without the support and guidance of X-Forces this whole venture simply would not have been possible. Sharda (my business adviser) has been able to guide me through the creation of my business plan from day one, all the way to the point of securing the funding required to make the business become a reality.’ For more information about CrossFit Spitfire and David’s story, visit www.crossfitspitfire.com or look back at the April 2017 issue of QUEST – find it online by clicking on ‘View back issues’ at www. questonline.co.uk or view it here direct: http://edition.pagesuite.com/ html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=fc3247113a47-4711-9c3d-c448a4903fb4 Ready to go? Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

THE HUB

>> HEALTH AWARENESS

>> INDEPENDENCE THROUGH INNOVATION

Uncovering the ‘unseen injury’

Veterans’ homes and enterprise hub Work is under way to transform a former Army barracks into the UK’s first housing and enterprise project for Veterans. The multi-million-pound development, at the former Erskine Barracks near Salisbury, will see it turned into a campus with homes and an innovative enterprise hub. This unique development is the creation of regeneration and development specialists Our Enterprise, working alongside house builder Redrow Homes, which is building private homes on Erskine Park and Wilton Hill. It will be the first time in the UK that a development has been built to address the needs of Veterans by supporting them into independent living in an integrated community. The project will establish the first purpose-built community-based campus for Veterans by creating homes and an innovative enterprise hub. Forty-four homes will be built for former Service personnel to

A former Royal Marine injured in Afghanistan has called for greater awareness of ‘life limiting’ tinnitus. Harris Tatakis, a former section commander who nearly died in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, is working to raise awareness of tinnitus – calling it the ‘unseen injury that has affected me most’. He was seriously injured when his Land Rover drove over an IED in 2007, shattering his left leg, breaking his right foot, causing brain damage and rupturing both eardrums. Now, ten years on, and after undergoing numerous operations on his leg and treatment for his brain injury, Harris is calling for greater awareness and understanding of the effects of his tinnitus. Those affected by tinnitus hear a ringing, hissing or whistling sound in one or both of their ears or head, not linked to any external source; it is often caused by exposure to loud noise, or ear or head injuries. Says Harris: ‘Because it’s an unseen injury, it doesn’t get the attention it warrants. There is not enough understanding of how life limiting it can be – the need for low background noise to distract you combined with constantly keeping yourself occupied to stop your brain focusing on the noises it’s being bombarded with, it’s hugely tiring. Out of all my injuries this is the one that’s affected me most. He is keen to raise greater awareness after treatment from the Tinnitus Clinic in Bristol, funded by the Royal British Legion (RBL), led to a significant reduction in the intensity of his condition. According to the RBL, one in four Service members returning from conflicts complains of hearing loss and/ or tinnitus. More than 40% said their tinnitus symptoms had a ‘significant effect’ on their quality of life. To find out more about the Tinnitus Clinic’s multidisciplinary approach visit www.thetinnitusclinic.co.uk More information on funding from the Veterans Hearing Fund (VHF) can be found at www.britishlegion.org.uk/ get-support/finances/grants/veterans-medical-funds or by calling the RBL contact centre on 0808 802 8080.

rent for between six and 24 months, during which time they’ll receive business and skills training at the enterprise hub. A range of jobs will be provided for Veterans, who will run the community cafe on-site and their own ground maintenance enterprise, alongside a range of volunteering, training and education opportunities to support their move to independence with a culture of enterprise rather than welfare. The first Veterans are due to move in in mid-2018.

Locksmith training: enhance your military skills A1 Safe and Secure has recognised that there is a need for a training course that is required by military people that need to open locks in the course of their work. So we have tailor made a two-day lock-opening course and, for the more enthusiastic, a five-day locksmith training course. Both courses are workshopbased in Hereford. We can guarantee that, upon completion of this training, you will be confident enough to open the majority of locks in use today including pin tumbler, disc and lever locks, also British Standard and, if you attend the five-day course, you will be confident enough to carry out locksmith work on a much wider basis. All of this training, we feel, as ex-military personnel ourselves, would have enhanced our capabilities in situations that we found ourselves in while serving. There are no restrictions on who can attend these courses – they are open to any branch of the Forces or personnel.

You will receive a lock pick kit on completion of your training, as well as a certificate enabling you to purchase further equipment if and when the need arises. This skill is training for the present and the future as, once you have completed your military service, you can take these skills into civilian life and earn good money as a locksmith. All of these courses are certificated but are not funded by ELCAS. Prices are as follows: • two-day lock opening course – £670 (£200 deposit required) • five-day course – £1,675 (£200 booking deposit required). Courses include B&B accommodation and a lock pick set, and can be conducted to suit your availability. Get in touch 01432 3412357 safeandsecurelocksmithcourses@ gmail.com

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 18 July 2017, Newmarket CTP Employment Fair 14 September 2017, Sunderland These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l

opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

Want to keep flying? Here’s how … If you are considering continuing to fly upon leaving the Armed Forces, equip yourself with the knowledge of what you’ll need to fly in the civilian world. First of all you’ll need a civilian licence – CPL or ATPL (you’ll need to check if you satisfy the prerequisites in either case). Depending on your aspirations, there will probably be specific further requirements – for example, if wanting the ability to fly IFR you will need to convert your military IR to a civilian

a challenging and rewarding aviation career in the commercial sector. Scott says: ‘I chose Babcock to conduct my (self-funded) training – first, as they are a recognised and experienced training organisation, but also because they are familiar with the requirements of Service leavers. They produced a training programme specifically tailored to my experience. This was right for me both financially and in terms of managing my expectations. ‘The reception I received from the training team and

qualification, and you’ll need a certain number of hours in order to fly HEMS or police aircraft. It pays to prepare yourself well in advance of your military leaving date. At Babcock, formerly Bond, we maintain a full working knowledge of all regulatory changes as and when they are introduced. We operate an ATO (flying school) but we are also at the forefront of the HEMS, police and offshore sectors. This is an

the company as a whole was very similar to that of any military unit: pragmatic, efficient and keen to deliver what the customer wanted. During my training I was interviewed for and accepted a position as a touring pilot with Babcock. I am now part of a team that includes operations staff, logisticians, paramedics, doctors and engineers, all with a common aim: to provide a service that is second to none and leads the ways in the HEMS and air ambulance industry.’

ever-changing environment; as part of the training solution we want to be instrumental in preparing you for training, as well as guiding you through whichever course you undertake in preparation for your future flying career. Scott Armstrong served in the Royal Navy from 1991–2017. After 26 years of flying in almost every environment possible, he was looking to continue

Get in touch +44 1452 856007 or +44 1452 716348 Elly.Clark@babcockinternational.com www.babcockinternational.com See the advertisement on page 15

New apprenticeships from Train2Train

Together, the Armed Forces form one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the UK, and the team at Train2Train has worked hard to become involved in helping Service leavers start new challenges and professions through apprenticeship programmes. With the government’s focus on sustainable jobs, and fewer learners now choosing to go to university, apprenticeships are recognised as one of the key areas for employers to invest in, both in terms of their existing and future workforce; for this reason apprenticeships continue to grow in both popularity and success. Apprenticeships are made up of nationally recognised qualification components that are increasingly being viewed as real alternatives to further and higher education qualifications. Apprenticeships provide learners with high-quality, industry-specific training that can launch careers in a wide range of industries.

Some of the UK’s most senior business people started their careers as apprentices. Apprenticeships are also a great way for you to learn while gaining valuable workplace experience at the same time. Apprenticeships are open to all learners over 16 years of age, whether they are just leaving school, seeking to start a different career or are moving into a new role with an existing employer that requires fresh skills. Employers often find that apprenticeships not only give learners the knowledge and skills they need to perform a specific role, but also serve to motivate learners, and enable them to take on more tasks and responsibilities. Train2Train currently offers apprenticeships in the following areas: • level 5 operations/departmental manager apprenticeship • level 3 team leader/supervisor apprenticeship • level 2 Diploma in Customer Service • level 2 retailer apprenticeship • levels 1 and 2 functional skills qualification in mathematics • levels 1 and 2 functional skills qualification in English. For more information, please contact a member of the Train2Train team.

Get in touch 01302 363136 info@train2train.org www.train2train.org

Franchisee flying high following RAF career

Home Instead Senior Care’s Swindon & Vale of White Horse franchisee is flying high in the field of elderly homecare after his time in the Royal Air Force. John Kirk enjoyed a successful career in the RAF, serving for 23 years – initially for five as an air traffic control officer with the balance as an officer in the RAF Regiment. He was deployed to most of the active theatres of operation that characterised the period of his service, including the Falkland Islands, Central America, Europe, the Balkans, Northern Ireland and the Middle East. Now a Home Instead franchisee for five years, having retired at the rank of Wing Commander, John believes his Forces background stood him in solid stead for a new career in elderly homecare. Reflecting on his change of career path, father-of-two John says: ‘In the Armed Forces you learn to follow successful processes, but in every Service man and woman there is also the ability to show that spark of initiative – an entrepreneurial spirit if you like. Franchising provides sufficient structure, along with proven systems and processes, for ex-Service people to feel in familiar territory. ‘The complexity and ambiguity of modern warfare mean that every man or woman needs to be able to take decisions independently to exploit unexpected success or to react when things go wrong. This ability to follow a process and show initiative, along with strong leadership and people-management skills, make ex-Forces people ideal franchisees.’ Today, John’s franchise provides bespoke care and companionship to 116 clients and, as a local employer of choice, he is proud to employ 86 caregivers. Award-winning franchisor Home Instead Senior Care has 120 territories available across the UK, as well as seven territory resale opportunities. To find out more, visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/franchise See the advertisement on page 67

See the advertisement on page 7

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE

Future perfect! WO Dean Wood served in the RAF for more than 38 years, spending most of his time on the front line. Now a management consultant, with a side-line as partner in a mobile bar business, he is keen to share his resettlement experience with QUEST readers – the motivation behind his decisions, the projects he’s become involved in outside the military, his continuing aspirations … and, above all, the importance of meticulous step-by-step planning in achieving precisely the desired outcome

Portsmouth to study for a master’s degree in Leadership and Management, and used the first of my Enhance Learning Credits (ELC). It was my first step in making my experience relevant to the civilian arena, and I followed it up by joining some professional institutes and posting a LinkedIn profile. I elected to join the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute for Leadership and Management (ILM), believing that my future lay in the management field. I began attending networking events with the institutes and met many interesting individuals from all

hroughout my career I had seen

purposes and, looking

people get to the two-year point

back, I wasn’t focused

had in common was their praise for the

before discharge and, as if it were

enough on the future at that time. That

Armed Forces and the transferable skills

some sort of surprise, reluctantly enter

was a mistake – and one that I would

that we all have. I was encouraged by

into resettlement activities. It was as

advise anyone else not to make!

their optimism for my future and decided

if they were in denial that their time in

walks of life. The one thing they all

to work at becoming professionally

the Services was coming to an end and

Planning to manage

they would then stumble on through the

I eventually decided on a five-year plan.

resettlement process. Eventually some

Even though I still didn’t know what I

would attend a training course because

truly wanted to do, I knew that my CV

Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and

they felt they should or they would just

would not be good enough: who in civvy

Member of the Institute of Mechanical

use their resettlement leave to increase

street would understand what a front-

Engineers (IMechE) was a long but

their paid time off at the end of their

line RAF Squadron Warrant Officer did?

fulfilling process. Documenting my

service. I was determined not to fall into

Having been in rank for more than two

experience and growth of knowledge

the same category.

years, I was aware of the opportunity

throughout my career and then

Managing to plan As I passed the 30-year point I engaged with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) team, registered for resettlement and attended the initial briefing to begin the process. With eight years’ service remaining, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do or become when I re-entered civilian life for the first time since the age of 16. Rather than waste my Career Transition Workshop (CTW), I elected to wait until nearer my discharge date. I failed to take the opportunity to use my annual SLTs for resettlement

to register with the University of

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

IX(B) Sqn Tornado

registered as an engineer to further enhance my portfolio. Obtaining registration as an

after my name – they were a recognition of career achievements translated into a language that potential employers could understand. I then considered the work that I had been involved in that was in addition to the ‘day job’ – the projects that I had been required to lead or take part in, the change that had happened, for good or bad, continuously since Options

A WHINNY-ING FORMULA! Alongside the new day job, Nelly’s – our mobile bar business – has become

Dean with his partners in Nelly’s

a passion and the venture continues to grow. The bar is based within a

competence during an interview was

Talking employers’ language

extremely rewarding. During the same

By 2014 I was a Chartered Member of the

an award-winning brewery, high-

period, I decided to apply to be a

CMI, registered with the UK Engineering

end spirits and a range of specially

Chartered Manager through the CMI.

Council as IEng and Member of the

selected cocktails, all with fun horse-

Once again, this required a detailed

IMechE, Member of the ILM, I held an

themed names such as Fifty Shades

written submission and an interview

MSc in Leadership and Management

of Neigh.

that lasted well over an hour, conducted

and was, through rank and experience,

While predominantly covering the

over Skype from Afghanistan – another

a Member of the City & Guilds Institute,

East Midlands and East Anglia we are

gratifying experience when I was

although I still did not know what I

open to attend events countrywide.

informed that I had been successful.

wanted to be after I left the RAF. I did

Weddings, country shows, private

know, however, that these qualifications

garden parties and vintage carnivals

and memberships were not just letters

have all been catered for and the

demonstrating my professional

lovingly refurbished vintage horse trailer, specialising in real ale from

business is about to branch out, being easily converted to become a high-end coffee and cake shop as an alternative option for event organisers. If you would like to know more about Nelly’s, please visit www.stacked-ltd.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY excellent way to gain some experience and feedback without feeling any pressure to earn money. I was able to utilise the testimonials that I received when building my website – another area I handled myself using one of the online providers; a pretty straightforward task if using the templates on offer.

Raising the bar I was also interested in trying something completely different, so when one of the start-up companies I had been Dean receiving his CAS Commendation

working with offered me the chance to become a

for Change in 1991, much of which I had

course, both of which

partner, I jumped at it. I

managed and latterly led. I was also the

were held at the RRC

was now a director of two

Squadron Quality Assurance lead and a

Tidworth. I felt the latter

SQEP auditor. Qualifications in these fields

would fill a gap in my

could do nothing but enhance my CV

knowledge and at least

and potential employment opportunities

enable me to understand some business

for the future. I still had two ELC left

financial language, in the hope of not

change management qualifications and

so researched the project management

falling foul of any questions at interview

to utilise my final ELC. I selected another

qualifications available, electing to take

or when pitching my business. I also

course bundle: Lean Practitioner and Six

on a course bundle from Quanta Training,

attended the one-day financial briefing,

Sigma Black Belt, provided by the Lean

successfully completing the PRINCE2 and

which imparted some excellent knowledge

Six Sigma Company. The course was held

APMP qualifications.

about pensions and investments.

at the University of Bedfordshire and

It was now 2015 and I was in my

After going along to a job fair at the

part owner of a mobile bar business (see box)! The last part of my plan was to obtain

was once again an excellent choice. After

last two years. I had one ELC left at my

Lincolnshire Showground, talking to

two weeks I had graduated with both

disposal and had made a few decisions

prospective employers and handing out

qualifications.

on my future career. It wasn’t so much

CVs, I was invited for an interview by an

about what I wanted to do, more what I

engineering consultancy. I was somewhat

remaining resettlement leave and terminal

didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to work

surprised at the time and did consider

leave, the networking paid off and I was

in one location, didn’t want one job and

turning down the offer, especially as it

offered an opportunity contracting in

didn’t want to have to be a slave to the

was for a job based away from my home

a project role for one of the UK’s main

clock. Essentially I wanted to work for

location and not readily commutable.

defence contractors.

myself. I thought long and hard about

However, I decided to accept – for the

what I enjoyed at work and consulted

experience. Needless to say I did not get

Looking to the future …

my last four appraisals to remind myself

invited for the second round, but the

Thinking ahead, I want to concentrate

about what my superiors deemed me good

experience was invaluable, understanding

on cementing my reputation in the

at. It was at that point that I decided to

the process, types of questions asked and

management consultancy field while at

start my own business as a management

the need to prepare thoroughly. Although

the same time supporting the growth of

consultant.

I was rejected I did not look on it as a

Nelly’s. I know there is some hard work

failure – all I took from the experience

ahead, but ultimately I would like to be in

were the positives.

a position to enjoy family life – watching

Business basics Once again engaging with the CTP team,

limited companies and WO Wood IX(B) Sqn

As I entered my final period of leave,

and supporting my grandchildren as they

I researched the resettlement course

Starting up

programme starting off with my CTW at

It was during this period of resettlement

my own children’s lives due to my many

Kendrew Barracks. This was a superb

training that I researched and started

overseas deployments.

workshop and I left feeling confident

my own limited company, embarking

about my own plan. I selected the

on a series of pro bono initiatives,

If you have any questions for Dean about

‘Introduction to Management Consultancy’

supporting business areas from the

his resettlement journey, he is happy to

course to reinforce my decision and then

NHS to local start-up companies with

be contacted via his business website:

the ‘Insight to Commercial Financing’

consultancy services. This was an

www.magnacartaconsulting.com

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

grow up, having missed out on so much of

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT

Support on the menu The Veterans’ Kitchen at Stoll on the Fulham Road is run solely by Stoll Veterans, giving them the chance to gain new skills, employment and training when they leave the Armed Forces. Food for thought?

Veterans’ Kitchen – and I have to pinch myself. When I was homeless I didn’t trust anyone, let alone be able to serve them jerk chicken. Army life gave me a structure that I think I took for granted at the time and, when I left the Army, I struggled. I was like a boat without a sail or a rudder. Lost. People talk about the transition from the Armed Forces to civvy street as if it is always a really smooth process but that’s not true for everyone. It wasn’t for me.’ When people leave the UK Armed Forces, most adjust to civilian life, but some people struggle to adapt to the very different demands of life outside the Forces. It is for these vulnerable Veterans that Stoll exists – providing a home, and access to work and support, so that people can stabilise their lives and become independent again.

Find out more Stoll’s outreach team provides advice and support to Service leavers and

Veterans on a wide range of issues, from toll is one of the UK’s oldest

leads a team of staff and volunteers at

housing to work and benefits to access to

Veterans’ charities – the leading

the cafe. The Veterans’ Kitchen will be

expert healthcare: email outreach@stoll.

provider of supported housing

reopening this month following a facelift,

org.uk or call 020 7385 2110. Q

for the Veterans’ community. In addition,

selling a great range of breakfasts, salt

it accesses specialist services to help

beef bagels and summer snacks.

vulnerable Veterans improve their physical and mental health. The Stoll Veterans’ Kitchen social

Says Ian, ‘We have refurbished our outside seating area so it’s now a great place to stop for something

enterprise was founded in 2005, training

to eat and drink – perfect for

and employing 30 ex-Service personnel

the summer. We have a relaxed

from then until founder and Stoll Veteran

atmosphere with friendly banter, just

Bob Barrett took the decision to retire

like the cookhouse mentality from my

in 2015. It is now owned and run by

time in the Forces. Having a stable home

one of the Kitchen’s longest-serving

and being able to run our little cafe for

apprentices, Army Veteran Ian Camps

Veterans and the local community has

(pictured), who served in Northern

helped me get back on track.’

Ireland and Cyprus. When Ian left the Forces, he was

He goes on: ‘When people leave the Armed Forces, some of them find it tough

homeless for a while before getting a

to adjust to civvy street – I know I did.

home to rent with Stoll in West London.

I look at myself now running a social

He then retrained as a chef and now

enterprise and serving customers at the

KEY CONTACT

Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 info@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT PREPARING FOR REDUNDANCY FACTFILE

Preparing for

redundancy

A step-by-step guide

etween September 2011 and

Step 2: Think positive

your life (perhaps you organise regular

January 2014 the MoD announced

Forces personnel are used to challenges

social events or are a long-standing

the various stages of its

and making the best of situations, and these

member of a club). The more varied

redundancy programme, due to take effect

aptitudes will give you a clear advantage.

they are, the more ‘rounded’ you will

in batches over a period of several years

Make full use of your skills and apply a

as part of the government’s plan to cut the

positive mind-set. Even though the job

number of serving regulars from 102,000

market may seem squeezed, a return to

and create your CV as a two-page

to 82,000 by 2018. The MoD has made sure

civilian life is abundant with opportunities.

(maximum) PDF or Word file. This will

there is a robust resettlement process and

In the Forces, you will have acquired hugely

allow you to send out literally hundreds

a generous tax-free payment in place for all

beneficial transferable skills such as:

of copies without having to leave your

those selected for redundancy, to help make

adaptability

desk or pay for postage. It will also make

their transition to civilian life as smooth as

reliability

it easier to see who you’ve targeted for

possible.

composure under pressure

work and who’s responded.

team working

Service men and women who applied for

decision making and using initiative

redundancy – on the other hand, you may

thinking on your feet.

be one of those who did not but has been

Make a note of these skills (to remind

Good appearance, a confident handshake,

forced to accommodate an unplanned

yourself as well as others) and add them to

making eye contact, careful listening and

return to the civilian workforce. This

the other more specific trade skills that you

confident talking will all stand you in good

article focuses on the latter group, who

have – along with your experience of, say,

stead on the day. But there’s so much more

did not choose to be made redundant. If

working in a conflict zone or knowledge of

to an interview … You should prepare,

that includes you, we hope the advice that

different cultures.

prepare, prepare, and as a Forces person

You may be among the many

follows will help you plan how to best use your notice period to plan for the future.

Step 1: Look at what’s on offer All Service personnel made involuntarily

Step 3: Revisit your CV Whether you are planning to go straight into

Step 4: Freshen up your interview technique

that will come naturally to you. Do every bit of research and homework possible on the organisation/college/business that

to retrain, you will need to update your CV. l

and give it a really good prune.

CALCULATING THE BENEFITS

Be brief: give key points; use bullet lists

Look at your last CV (if you have one)

The government has stated that

resettlement packages. These packs include:

and timelines; and ensure you include

all those selected for redundancy

a three-day transition workshop

the transferable skills discussed in Step

will get a full resettlement

access to a career consultant and job-

2. Then invite readers to contact you

package, regardless of their

finding service

for more detailed information. This will

length of service.

time to retrain and information about

give you an opportunity to engage in a

grants

persuasive dialogue.

Forces Redundancy Calculator

Add the names and contact details of

(AFRC) to its website to help you

vocational training courses and

two or three referees, or add a couple of

forecast your redundancy and

workshops.

testimonials right at the bottom of your

Take advantage of the electronic age

a job or see redundancy as an opportunity

redundant will receive a leavers’ pack giving specific details about their individual

appear. l

access to a wide range of accredited

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

It has also added an Armed

pension benefits.

CV. Try to make these varied: one from

To find out more, visit www.gov.uk/

the Forces, one from another facet of

armed-forces-redundancy-calculator

Did you know, you can use your

Step 6: Plan for the long term

enhanced learning credit (ELC) for up

Think about what you really want to do and

directories online. Rehearse your

to five years after leaving the Forces

balance that against priorities in your life.

‘elevator pitch’ (a brief speech that you

to take courses at level 3 and above?

Are you in a position to retrain? If so,

can deliver in roughly 60 seconds giving

This means that you will receive

get as much detail as possible about

the salient points of your ‘back story’).

funding provided your training is

relevant courses. You could study part-

Make it quirky and memorable, and

offered by an approved/accredited

time at a local college while earning

invite questions. Get noticed for being

provider. For further details and

part-time; you could take on a home

yourself. Get people talking to you and

eligibility requirements, refer to our

study course while working full-time; or

in-depth features on pages 6-26 or

you could study full-time.

GET PAID TO LEARN

visit the ELCAS website at

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

has invited you to interview. Search the internet for information, or even ring up

Join business networking groups in your area. These will be listed in local

about you. l

Is there a specific company you’d like

and any other social media. Your

to work for, or a specific area of work

message (that you are skilled in ‘X’

you’d like to be involved in? Start to

areas, that you are a freelance ‘X’, that

make contacts now. Become known so

you are available to take on work, etc.)

that if a vacancy arises you’re in the

will spread quickly and easily the more

foreground.

you ‘share’ and link in with others. You

Do you want to build your own business

never know who might be looking.

the organisation beforehand and ask if

using very specific or unique skills

they have a brochure or pack giving details

that you acquired in the Forces, e.g. a

circumstances may have changed, and

and history of the business. Let your

freelance trainer in, say, motivation in

they may know something you don’t.

interviewer(s) know you have done this

the workplace (your ‘back story’ will

research by adding relevant detail to your

be useful here); a mechanic on specific

answers. (And remember to turn off your

forms of transport; or something

Step 8: Keep calm and stay focused

mobile before the interview starts!)

completely different and unrelated to

However daunting your new challenges

your past experience? Patience will be

may feel, however unsettling things are for

required, along with some knowledge

your family, if you keep a cool head and

of administrative procedures such as

start planning now, it will pay enormous

Consider what’s available to you now.

orderly paperwork and accounting.

dividends. Information sharing is essential.

Research employment agencies in your

Take advantage of, say, part-time study,

Stay in touch with others in the Forces

area. What kinds of work do they offer?

combined with part-time earning, as you

who were made redundant with you.

Does it interest you? Make contact,

build a business plan for your future.

They, more than anyone, will understand

Step 5: Look at your shortterm options

and ask if they will put you on their

Get in touch with old contacts, too. Their

your circumstances and ‘journey’. Most

here). Temping is a great way to build in

Step 7: Network, network, network!

enough space to work on your long-term

These days, networking couldn’t be easier.

useful in every walk of life. If you stay calm,

plans.

You will already have begun the process by

focused, confident and positive, others will

Try your hand at some freelance work.

engaging with Step 5. And Step 6 will help

notice you. Q

Do you have any skills that others

you to be even more specific.

might find useful? Could you, say, do

books (your updated CV will be useful

Get yourself some business cards. An

important, remember that you have invaluable skills and experience that are

a spot of garden maintenance? Could

online printing company will take you

you offer your skills and knowledge in

through the process step by step, and it

EDIT YOUR INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE

a consultancy context? Do be aware,

doesn’t cost a fortune. Include just the

In an interview, learn how to say just

though, that you may need to undergo

essential details: name, phone number,

enough.

a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

email address. That way, your cards can

check, depending what you choose to

work hard for you on every occasion

do. Visit gov.uk to see which jobs require

and be appropriate to hand out to

this.

anyone.

Stick to the point of the question, giving relevant detail about yourself/your experience.

Ask for clarification if a question

See every contact as an opportunity.

doesn’t seem clear to you. (It’s a

cause that interests you, and see if

Temping may turn into long-term work;

good technique to show you are

your help is needed there. It won’t earn

freelancing may develop into a business;

you money in the short term, but some

volunteering could turn into a paid job;

organisations require both voluntary

the person running your study course

of your own to ask the interviewers

and paid staff. Being on the ‘inside’ is

may spot your potential and refer you to

about the job/organisation/course.

the best position.

their contact list.

This registers your own interest

Become a volunteer. Choose an area/

thorough.) l

Ensure you have a question or two

and research.

questonline.co.uk l July 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY

RYAN MANSFIELD

ost of the ex-Forces guys I’ve worked with play a sport or

have a hobby of some kind – an activity they follow or participate in during their spare

Work it!

you’re learning how to pass the test; this is no different. The qualification is no pushover mind you, going into a credible degree of depth on the anatomy

time. Maybe this is because

of the human body as well as

physical activities require

demanding a sound knowledge

discipline and drive, much

of all major exercises and

like the stereotypical civilian

muscle groups, so you’ll need to

perception of what it’s like to

apply yourself.

be in the Services? Since I have

Unfortunately, the

worked for a company that

aforementioned short

hires predominantly ex-Forces

completion time can be a curse

members to teach kids who are

as well as a blessing, for reasons

failing in mainstream education,

you can probably guess. You’re

using a range of hands-on and

not the only one likely to be

practical courses, I feel I have

tempted by a career change

sufficient evidence to back up

that doesn’t require a four-year

my opening statement and

slog at university and a £16,000

further believe that our civvy

debt at the end. This inevitably,

stereotype is on the money.

and regrettably, attracts a few

In fact, I’m quite surprised

know-it-all cowboys that have

that it’s taken me until now

QUEST’s ‘civvy’ contributor Ryan Mansfield reports once again from the resettlement frontline, this time with some tips on using your Forces aptitudes to forge a successful future in the fitness industry. His mantra: make money by helping others drop pounds. You have the power!

to think of linking the two together. The penny didn’t drop until I read an article about sport and fitness in a previous edition of QUEST. It is also quite fitting now the summer holidays are approaching fast and people are desperately putting in their last-ditch efforts to get their

jumped on the bandwagon because they are at a loose end and pumped a bit of iron back in the 1990s. Fitness-based jobs will always attract such people. It’s a competitive, testosteronefilled environment and certain individuals within it just need their egos stroking once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, I

‘beach bodies’ to an acceptable

healthy living in an attempt to

few years now, I actually quite

admire people that have the

standard.

save even more millions from

miss the varied shift times; it

mind-set and dedication to stick

the NHS budget, and we might

breaks up the week and stops

to a programme in order to

be on to something.

that feeling of monotony.

better themselves – I just find

That said, the beauty of fitness is that the need for it

you’re not learning how to drive,

is always there. January sees

Having worked in a gym

If you’re applying for

pouts and poses for Snapchat

us anxious to shift Christmas

myself for seven years, I know

gym-related jobs it is almost

selfies in the middle of a busy

timber; from February

it’s a pretty relaxed and easy-

essential for you to have gained

gym a bit sickly. Just get on

onwards we start thinking

going environment. The ability

the level 3 Personal Training

with it!

about that spring or summer

to converse well with members,

award. This will set you back a

getaway; once that’s been

complete basic tasks and build

few hundred quid, but can be

could be your big USP. People

enjoyed, the weather begins

a decent relationship with your

polished off within a year, and

hire a personal trainer (PT)

to disintegrate and the social

boss will all lead to a cushy way

of course you can use your ELC

for assistance with attitude,

calendar (with the exception

to spend your working days.

to help fund it (for full details,

routine and discipline, not just

of December obviously) starts

Your monthly pay cheque won’t

refer to our in-depth features on

knowledge. Sounds a lot like our

to dwindle, allowing the gym

ever make you a millionaire, and

pages 6–26). Once certified, you

civilian perception again doesn’t

to take precedence. Marry

evening and weekend working

can be out there constructing

it? So milk this advantage you

that with the fact that we are

will certainly be part of the deal,

the planning and execution of

have for all it’s worth and really

a nation that has become ‘too

but it all depends what you’re

your training sessions. It’s not

push the ‘Army boot camp’

busy’ to exercise, forcing the

motivated by. Personally, having

dissimilar to driving, in that

approach. After all, the shoe fits,

government to pile millions into

been doing the ‘9–5’ thing for a

when you take your lessons,

so wear it.

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

The ‘ex-Services’ approach

On the flip side it can be

class and a high-intensity

The fitness industry can,

THE BEAUTY OF FITNESS IS THAT THE NEED FOR IT IS ALWAYS THERE

easy to forget that a gym is a

class. Need I tell you which

and will, throw many different

business, and like any other,

was nearly always the busiest?

roles at you. At 8 pm you could

its aim is to make money.

Or are you slightly put off by

be sifting through paperwork

Therefore it pays (literally) to be

the term ‘high intensity’ too?

to recruit a new member;

smart about how you construct

The key lies in striking that

by 10 past you’re untangling

your PT sales pitch. If Arnold

fine balance between repeat

Henry Hoover ready to waltz

Schwarzenegger’s personal

custom and effectiveness,

down the gym with him. That

trainer put me through the

while not getting sucked in

second point is not so much

the perfect job, but if you have

same session he does Arnie,

to the whirlwind of nonsense

an example as a stonewall

practical hobbies, keep yourself

it wouldn’t make them a good

where only sessions or classes

certainty; be prepared for

in shape and want to help

trainer, because I’d either die

that utilise 10,000 pieces of

copious amounts of cleaning!

others do the same, this could

or, if I didn’t, not come back. It’s

equipment are considered

That said, no matter how good

be for you. Remember, find

quite logical, and although we

acceptable. It is as off-putting

your cleaning skills, the main

that happy medium of getting

all want to work to the best of

for some, as it is impressive

reason your boss will tilt their

improvements while maintaining

our abilities and flaunt what we

for others. Sometimes simple

magnifying glass at you will be

your client base; embrace the

know, the instructor who keeps

is most effective, and that

your interaction with members,

few that think they can take

a client for ten weeks and gets

requires you to assess your

ability to motivate a large group

on the world; enjoy having

her into that wedding dress, or

clients carefully, structuring a

in a class environment and your

competitive, confident people

whatever it is, has undeniably

plan that suits their personality

capacity to convince that single

around you – even though it’s

achieved more than the one

as well as their needs. Some

person to keep pushing when

normally a front; and finally,

who puts on a firework display

clients will be no-nonsense and

the little devil on their shoulder

as always, don’t see their ‘Billy

of a session, pulling out all the

want to crack on straight away,

is telling them to quit – with all

bullshit’ approach as a negative,

stops at the first meeting, only

others will want a bit of a chin

aspects requiring a positive and

but a way to make you stand

to never see that client again.

wag before they start; this again

charismatic personality that

out. A real boss will see right

is up to you to spot and read

emits encouragement by the

through them. Q

accordingly.

bucket-load.

During my gym days I ran two weekly classes: a circuit

There is no such thing as

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If you already have aviation experience then a shortened course may be available.

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Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from August to October 2017 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.

To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RC Aldergrove

rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 21 August 2017 23 August 2017 11 September 2017 13 September 2017 10 October 2017 12 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 17 August 2017 17 August 2017 14 September 2017 14 September 2017 17 October 2017 17 October 2017

FAR All Ranks 04 October 2017

04 October 2017

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 08 August 2017 10 August 2017 12 September 2017 14 September 2017 10 October 2017 12 October 2017

CTW Mixed Class

10 October 2017 30 October 2017

12 October 2017 01 November 2017

CTW Mixed Class 19 September 2017 21 September 2017 (Course location Preston)

CTW Officer/SNCO 07 August 2017 09 August 2017 22 August 2017 24 August 2017 02 October 2017 04 October 2017 16 October 2017 18 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 21 September 2017 21 September 2017 12 October 2017 12 October 2017

FAR All Ranks Self Employment Awareness 04 September 2017 04 September 2017 19 October 2017 19 October 2017

RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

Self Employment Awareness 10 October 2017

10 October 2017

RRC Cottesmore

CTW Junior Ranks 07 August 2017 09 August 2017 04 September 2017 06 September 2017 02 October 2017 04 October 2017 30 October 2017 01 November 2017

RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 14 August 2017 04 September 2017 05 September 2017 25 September 2017

16 August 2017 06 September 2017 07 September 2017 27 September 2017

CTW Mixed Class 14 August 2017 11 September 2017 18 September 2017 25 September 2017 26 September 2017 09 October 2017

16 August 2017 13 September 2017 20 September 2017 27 September 2017 28 September 2017 11 October 2017

July 2017 l questonline.co.uk

21 September 2017 21 September 2017

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 21 September 2017 21 September 2017

RC Northolt

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

07 August 2017 11 September 2017 25 September 2017 16 October 2017 23 October 2017

RC Germany

09 August 2017 13 September 2017 27 September 2017 18 October 2017 25 October 2017

CTW Officer CTW Junior Ranks

04 September 2017 06 September 2017 02 October 2017 04 October 2017 30 October 2017 01 November 2017

29 August 2017 31 August 2017 18 September 2017 20 September 2017 10 October 2017 12 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Workshop

CTW Mixed Class 12 September 2017 14 September 2017 (Course location Cyprus)

05 October 2017

03 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness

CTW Officer/SNCO

RC Plymouth

26 September 2017 28 September 2017 24 October 2017 26 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

Housing 06 September 2017 06 September 2017

Self Employment Awareness 21 September 2017 21 September 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

FAR Senior Officers

CTW Mixed Class

01 August 2017 05 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

11 October 2017

22 August 2017 24 August 2017 12 September 2017 14 September 2017 10 October 2017 12 October 2017

01 August 2017 05 October 2017

11 September 2017 11 September 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 25 September 2017 25 September 2017 23 October 2017 23 October 2017

09 August 2017

CTW Senior Officer

Self Employment Awareness

Employment Support Programme Wksp

11 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk

09 August 2017

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk

25 October 2017 25 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

14 September 2017 15 September 2017 12 October 2017 13 October 2017

Central London

Housing

CTW Mixed Class

04 September 2017 04 September 2017

Self Employment Awareness

07 August 2017 07 August 2017 18 September 2017 18 September 2017 09 October 2017 09 October 2017

rcgermany@ctp.org.uk

Employment Support Programme Wksp

START DATE END DATE

CTW Officer

15 August 2017 17 August 2017 05 September 2017 07 September 2017 31 October 2017 02 November 2017

05 September 2017 07 September 2017 19 September 2017 21 September 2017 03 October 2017 05 October 2017 31 October 2017 02 November 2017

13 September 2017 13 September 2017

05 September 2017 05 September 2017

04 September 2017 06 September 2017 25 September 2017 27 September 2017 09 October 2017 11 October 2017 16 October 2017 18 October 2017

CTW SNCO

CTW Officer/SNCO

FAR All Ranks

14 August 2017 16 August 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 11 September 2017 13 September 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)

19 September 2017 21 September 2017

10 October 2017 12 October 2017 16 October 2017 18 October 2017 17 October 2017 19 October 2017 23 October 2017 25 October 2017

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk

CTW Junior Ranks 11 September 2017 13 September 2017 09 October 2017 11 October 2017

CTW Mixed Class 14 August 2017 04 September 2017 12 September 2017 25 September 2017 02 October 2017 23 October 2017

16 August 2017 06 September 2017 14 September 2017 27 September 2017 04 October 2017 25 October 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO 07 August 2017 09 August 2017 18 September 2017 20 September 2017 16 October 2017 18 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 07 September 2017 07 September 2017

Housing

18 October 2017 18 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness

Housing 21 September 2017 21 September 2017 Self Employment Awareness 07 September 2017 07 September 2017

RRC Rosyth

12 September 2017 12 September 2017 (Course location Faslane) 21 September 2017 21 September 2017 12 October 2017 12 October 2017 24 October 2017 24 October 2017 (Course location Faslane)

18 September 2017 18 September 2017

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk

FAR All Ranks

RC Portsmouth

START DATE END DATE

Housing

rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk

CTW Mixed Class

21 August 2017 23 August 2017 25 September 2017 27 September 2017 23 October 2017 25 October 2017

08 August 2017 10 August 2017 (Course location Kinloss) 22 August 2017 24 August 2017 (Course location Faslane) 29 August 2017 31 August 2017 04 September 2017 06 September 2017 11 September 2017 13 September 2017 (Course location Lossiemouth) 19 September 2017 21 September 2017 (Course location Faslane) 25 September 2017 27 September 2017 09 October 2017 11 October 2017 (Course location Kinloss) 17 October 2017 19 October 2017 (Course location Faslane) 23 October 2017 25 October 2017

CTW SNCO

CTW Officer/SNCO

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 04 September 2017 06 September 2017 02 October 2017 04 October 2017

CTW Mixed Class

29 August 2017 31 August 2017 18 September 2017 20 September 2017 16 October 2017 18 October 2017

CTW Officer

11 September 2017 09 October 2017

13 September 2017 11 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 August 2017 24 August 2017 28 September 2017 28 September 2017 26 October 2017 26 October 2017

02 October 2017

04 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 17 August 2017 17 August 2017 29 August 2017 29 August 2017 (Course location Faslane)

19 September 2017 19 September 2017

10 October 2017

30 August 2017 05 September 2017 19 September 2017 03 October 2017 17 October 2017

03 August 2017

RRC Tidworth START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 23 August 2017 31 August 2017 06 September 2017 13 September 2017 20 September 2017 04 October 2017 11 October 2017 18 October 2017 01 November 2017

15 August 2017 15 August 2017 29 August 2017 29 August 2017 07 September 2017 07 September 2017 12 September 2017 12 September 2017 26 September 2017 26 September 2017 10 October 2017 10 October 2017 17 October 2017 17 October 2017 24 October 2017 24 October 2017

FAR All Ranks

07 September 2017 07 September 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)

Self Employment Awareness

CTW Mixed Class 01 August 2017 15 August 2017

01 September 2017 07 September 2017 21 September 2017 05 October 2017 19 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

21 August 2017 29 August 2017 04 September 2017 11 September 2017 18 September 2017 02 October 2017 09 October 2017 16 October 2017 30 October 2017

12 September 2017 14 September 2017 10 October 2017 12 October 2017 31 October 2017 02 November 2017 CTW Officer/SNCO 08 August 2017 10 August 2017 22 August 2017 24 August 2017 26 September 2017 28 September 2017 24 October 2017 26 October 2017

CTW SNCO

10 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness 03 August 2017

CTW Officer

03 August 2017 17 August 2017

30 August 2017 30 August 2017 25 September 2017 25 September 2017 23 October 2017 23 October 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RECRUITING.

www.thedevelopmentinitiative.com/job-opportunities

QUEST INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES

OUT NOW

INCORPO

THE AB C OF ELC

RATING COURSES

4 FORC ES

JULY 2017

Funding your fingfacts at ertips

‘HOW MY MANAGE MENT CAREER TO OFF’

OK Dean Woo plan for d’s action success

page 52

PLUS

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And get on course for these career

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YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

Preparation for leaving the Forces Advice from the CTP, official provider of career guidance, skills training and job-finding assistance to Service leavers CTP provision is delivered from ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany, and the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot. The CTP provides a number of workshops, seminars, one-to-one career advice, and a range of in-house resettlement training for entitled Service Leavers from up to two years before discharge. CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers.

Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk

A Service leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge

Employment Support Programme

>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice

No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?

Yes

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant

Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

Secures employment

Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge

ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE

Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding

• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress

CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement

Resettlement Services

Resettlement Centres

1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).

Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.

2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk

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Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689

For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk